Chemical Composition
Non-cellulosic substance analysis quantifies the natural binders remaining in bast fibers after retting and boiling. Spinning laboratories measure the pectin hemicellulose content to assess the openness and spinning readiness of the processed flax. This metric indicates the cleanliness of the fibres and their suitability for producing fine, smooth yarns.
High binder levels make the fibres stiff and difficult to separate on the spinning frame.
Extraction Level
Measuring these compounds involves extracting the non-cellulosic components from a dried sample using sequential chemical washes and gravimetric analysis. The technician boils the sample in dilute sodium hydroxide to dissolve the hemicellulose, followed by acid washes to remove the pectins. Weighing the dry residue after each wash reveals the weight loss, which corresponds to the percentage of each compound in the raw fiber.
This data is recorded on the chemical treatment log to monitor the consistency of the boiling and scouring processes in the mill. Adjustments to the wash duration and concentration are made based on these reports to maintain uniform fiber quality.
Spinning Performance
Low content values allow the fibres to slide easily during drafting, resulting in a more uniform yarn. It also improves the penetration of dyes during the finishing of the woven cloth. Achieving this balance is crucial for high-quality apparel production.
