Cottonization is a process that adapts flax and hemp fibres for spinning with other staple fibres such as cotton or wool.1 Cottonization removes impurities (non-fibrous materials such as lignin or pectin) and shortens the fiber length of flax for subsequent spinning processes. Cottonized fibers are helpful in blending with other staple fibers such as cotton or wool.123
Process
Cottonization can convert flax to short single fibres. These short fibres can be spun similarly to cotton. It includes the process of removing the lignin that holds the hemp fibres together. Lignin gives stalks their rigidity, It acts as a glue that holds the plant cell wall together.24
Methods
Methods of obtaining cottonized fibers are as below:
- Mechanical
- Chemical
- Enzymatic1
See also
See also
- Retting – Isolating plant fiber by rotting all else
- Plasma treatment (textiles) – Surface modification process for textiles
References
References
- Blackburn, Richard (2005-11-30). Biodegradable and Sustainable Fibres. Elsevier. p. 46. ISBN 978-1-84569-099-1.
- Kozlowski, Ryszard M. (2012-10-19). Handbook of Natural Fibres: Volume 1: Types, Properties and Factors Affecting Breeding and Cultivation. Elsevier. p. 80. ISBN 978-0-85709-550-3.
- Kozłowski, Ryszard; Zaikov, Gennadiĭ Efremovich; Pudel, Frank (2006). Renewable Resources and Plant Biotechnology. Nova Publishers. p. 66. ISBN 978-1-60021-003-7.
- Robinson, Rowan (1996). The Great Book of Hemp: The Complete Guide to the Environmental, Commercial, and Medicinal Uses of the World's Most Extraordinary Plant. Inner Traditions / Bear & Co. p. 26. ISBN 978-0-89281-541-8.