Standard Classification Mechanics for Raw Dew Retted Flax Straw
Classification of raw dew retted flax straw relies on stalk morphology, moisture limits, and chemical pectin degradation to predict mechanical scutching yields.
Shive Adhesion Rate
Separation Resistance
Fibre binding force represents a critical material characteristic that determines the ease of mechanical separation in flax processing. The measurement of shive adhesion rate indicates how strongly the woody core of the flax stalk remains attached to the outer bast fibres. When this rate is high, the mechanical energy required to clean the fibres increases.
This property is determined primarily by the degree of retting achieved during field processing. Inadequate retting leaves the pectin bonds intact, causing the shives to remain tightly bound to the flax bundles and complicating the subsequent mechanical extraction process.
Decortication Efficiency
Incomplete retting results in a higher portion of woody fragments clinging to the extracted fibre bundles. If the shive adhesion rate is too high, the scutched fibre will require more aggressive mechanical action, which increases fibre breakage and reduces the yield of high-grade line fibre. The mill’s raw material inspection log records this rate to adjust the feed speed of the processing line.
Combing Quality
Clean yarn requires the complete removal of all woody material prior to spinning. A low shive adhesion rate during the initial scutching process translates to a cleaner and more uniform sliver at the combing stage. This reduction in impurities minimizes the frequency of yarn breakages and ensures that the finished woven cloth meets the criteria for fine fabric grades.