Flax (Linen) Flashcards
1
Q
What part of the plant is the bast fibre extracted from?
A
The stalk of the flax plant
2
Q
Top three producers of flax?
A
- China
- Russia
- Ukraine
3
Q
What is flax scientifically composed of?
A
- almost entirely of cellulose
- has slightly more crystalline than cotton
- more hydrogen bonds between polymer chains
- gives it higher strength and lower elongation
4
Q
What is the average length of flax?
A
45-95cm though can be ‘cottonised” to less than 6.5cm
5
Q
What is the general fineness of flax?
A
Approx. 20,u
6
Q
What is the tenacity of flax?
A
Very strong, stronger when wet
7
Q
What is the elongation of flax like?
A
Very low, 2%, lowest of all apparel fibres
8
Q
How is flax’s elastic recovery?
A
Better than cotton, but still low and creases badly
9
Q
How is flax’s resilience?
A
Poor
10
Q
How is flax’s absorbency?
A
Highly absorbent
11
Q
How does flax react to heat?
A
- No melting point
- discolours at 280 degressC
- decompose at 320 degrees C
- will burn readily and smells like burnt paper
12
Q
How does flax react to chemicals?
A
- good resistance to alkali
- unaffected by solvents
- doesn’t dye as readily as cotton
13
Q
Cost of flax?
A
More expensive than cotton, is now considered a luxury fibre
14
Q
What are Flax’s unique selling points?
A
- termed ‘Linen’ once it has been spun into yarn, woven or knitted into fabric.
- strong and durable
- withstand repeated laundering and boil washing well
- resists rotting and insect damage
- conducts heat well and therefore remains cool in most conditions
- lustrous fibre with cool, crisp handle that crushes easily in fabric form
