Weaving Flax: A Way Forward
Abstract
Flax (Linum usitatissimum L.) is one of the oldest textile fibres. Flax fibres are found in the outer regions of the flax plant stem between the cuticle and the woody core tissues. flax type accessions (FT) utilized in the study were grown as per recommended agricultural practices. Plant stalks were harvested and retted for further scutching and fibre extraction. Flax fibre extraction was done using traditional water retting method. Befama carding machine of woollen spinning system was used for carding operation of flax fibres. Roving prepared in Befama card machine were spun using ring spinning system operated by electrical power. Flax spun yarns were woven into plain weave in the handloom and physical properties of bleached and unbleached fabric was tested. Tensile strength and elongation at break of bleached fabric was found to be higher than unbleached one. Bleaching not only improved the fabric tensile strength and elongation, but also improved the compactness of the fabric. Flax fabric was successfully given water repellent finish using fluorocarbon polymers (FCP), and machine stitched into water carrier bag. FCP imparted both water and oil repellence on fabric without affecting the natural looks and feel of the fabric.
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