Chemical Composition Of Flax Fiber | Uses of Linen Fiber

Flax Fiber

Linen fiber is collected from the flax that grows inside the stalks of the flax plant. Also, it is a natural, cellulosic, bast, and multicellular fiber. Besides, it was used earlier in the industry among all of the vegetable fibers. Also, Linum usitatissimum (Linn.), commonly known as flaxseed or linseed, belongs to the family Linaceae. Thus, it is one of the oldest plants in human history for cultivation. The fabric and yarn are collected from the flax plant, which is called linen.

Flax Fiber

Chemical Composition of Flax Fiber

Every fiber has a chemical composition, which is important to know before its processing. Linen fiber is a cellulosic fiber, and cellulose is the principal element of linen. The following are the chemical compositions of the linen fiber: They are-

  • Cellulose: 92%
  • Hemi-Cellulose: 2%
  • Lignin: 4%
  • Others: 2%

This composition is calculated at 100%.

Uses of Linen Fiber

  1. Bed and bath fabrics: Linen uses range across tablecloth, dish towels, bath towels, bed sheets, etc.
  2. Home and commercial furnishing items: are used as wallpaper or wall coverings, window treatments, and upholstery.
  3. Clothing items: It is also used for manufacturing suits, dresses, skirts, and shirts.
  4. Industrial products: Linen fiber is used to produce industrial products such as luggage, canvases, and sewing thread.
  5. Hand sewing: Linen fiber was once the preferred yarn for the uppers of moccasin-style shoes like loafers.
  6. Oil painting: However linen fabric is one of the preferred traditional supports for oil painting.
  7. Artisan bakers: Linen also extensively used by artisan bakers.

The fabric that is produced from linen fiber is comfortable to wear. But it is heavy fiber; for this reason, the fabric made from linen fiber is also heavy. Anyhow, day by day, the use of linen fiber increases rapidly.

So, flax fiber is one of the natural cellulose fibers which uses in some special cases as well as in our everyday life.

16 thoughts on “Chemical Composition Of Flax Fiber | Uses of Linen Fiber”

  1. I workeas junior research scientist on the ultrastructure and biochemistry of fibre formation in L Usitatissimum from 1971 to 1974 at the the then New University of Ulster
    I completed an M.Sc on plant biocides at Univ College Cork and ws then awarded the 1st International Flax Studentship to work n flax
    Any flax researchers please feel free to contact me

    Reply
    • Hello,Sir
      Thank you for taking the time to post informative scientific information about linen / flax. I have been researching linen and it’s properties, for health applications. The conventional belief is that linen is antibacterial, but i read in one of your post that it is not under certain conditions. May I speak with you by phone or direct email about other questions I have about linen.

      Reply
    • Hello, I’m a student doing research on the effectiveness of acidic dyes on different types of fabrics and I was wondering if you knew how the percentage of cellulose in linen compares to that of cotton?

      Reply
    • I have developed
      Nonwoven linen fibre sheet -4mm
      Would u suggest application in filteration /pharmacutical/automobile industry

      Reply
    • Hi,
      I am Prithwiraj, from India. I am currently on a research project to commercialize agronomic package of practice of flax production under himalayan foothills condition. It will be of great pleasure to get your contact to discuss upon linen. Thank you.

      Reply
  2. Hello Sir,
    I am working on my thesis of MS. textile, in which I have to design a fabric. I took Muslim women who do hijab and I am planning to design fabric for summer season. A fabric which would have appropriate properties for summer fabric for global market. I need some info from you that is it possible to make linen fabric wrinkle free permanently? and is it eco friendly to do that?

    Waiting for your prompt reply
    Thank you.

    Reply
  3. Hello sir,

    I’m finding some information regarding fibres which give a better cooling effect for men’s undergarment. My idea is to develop a knitted fabric by imitating linen fabrics. I need some information regarding linen & is it possible to do a kntted fabric as same as linen?

    Reply
  4. Sir
    I am working on bleaching of linen fiber.but sometimes colour variance comes.so i am trying to slove it how it is possible and the reason behind this

    Reply

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