GB1363653A - Processing of flax into linen yarn - Google Patents

Abstract

1363653 Obtaining fibres and spinning yarns LAMBEG INDUSTRIAL RESEARCH ASSOCIATION 19 Oct 1971 [20 Oct 1970] 49635/ 70 Heading DIF In a process for obtaining flax fibres from the harvested plant and preparing the fibres for wet or dry spinning into linen yarns, the partially dried, unwetted straw is fed through a decorticating machine e.g. a turbine switcher, to remove the wood and yield green fibres which are formed into sliver e.g. by an automatic spreader as in a goods machine. The sliver is chemically treated at least partially to remove bonding material associated with the fibres, followed by drying, mechanical softening, as by means of fluted rollers and beaters or by crimping, and (stretch) breaking the fibres of the sliver to (staple) lengths of about 10 inches. If a blended yarn is required, other e.g. synthetic, fibres are doubled into the sliver over a creel at the feed end of the breaking machine. The chemical treatment may comprise one-or two-stage boiling in at least one alkali e.g. sodium carbonate or hydroxide, solution, followed by scouring in formic acid, washing and further boiling in alkali solution; a fibre finish such as a cationic surface active agent imparting lubricating and softening properties may be applied; excess liquid is removed as by mangling, suction or centrifuging and hot air. The final sliver is passed successively through precomb doubling and combing machines and then converted to yarn by line or tow or like conventional system.