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Ramie Fiber
Ramie is one kind of natural fiber. Further, it is the oldest textile fiber of plant origin. Moreover, Ramie is recognized as the strongest of all natural bast fibers in the world. Demand for ramie fiber is increasing for its luster, strength, excellent microbial resistance, and valuable hygienic properties. Especially, ramie fiber is used for making bled with other fibers like cotton, wool, flax, polyester, acrylic, and silk.
Chemical Composition of Ramie
Ramie fiber is designed to be usable as a textile fiber. In fact, ramie fiber is collected from the ramie plant. After analysis, it shows that ramie fiber is composed of the following chemical composition:. The following measurement is done in percentages.
- Cellulose : 68.6 – 76.2%
- Lignin: 0.6–0.7%
- Hemi-cellulose: 13.1 – 16.7%
- Pectin: 1.9%
- Wax: 0.3%
Mechanical Properties of Ramie Fiber
As with chemical properties, ramie fiber consists of mechanical properties. Following are the mechanical properties of ramie fiber. They are-
- Microfibrillar Angle: 7.5°
- Moisture Content: 8.0%
- Density: 1.50g/cm3
- Fiber Diameter: 0.034 mm
- Fracture Load: 0.467 N
- Tensile Strength: 560 MPa
- Fracture Stain: 0.025%
So, that’s all about the chemical and mechanical properties of Ramie fiber.
Uses of Ramie Fiber
Ramie fiber yields from the bark of the canes which provides the excellent raw material for blending with natural and synthetic fibers. Following are the most common uses of ramie fiber. They are-
- Firstly, ramie fiber blends with other fibers for its unique absorbency, luster, strength, and affinity dyestuff. However, it offers increased luster, strength, and color when blended with high-quality cotton. Besides, ramie fiber includes lightness and minimizes shrinkage when mixed with wool. Lastly, it offsets the low wet strength when blended with rayon.
- Secondly, ramie fiber uses in fabrics resembling linen, such as apparel fabrics for shirts and shorts, tablecloths, napkins, handkerchiefs, and more.
- Then, this fiber sometimes blend with cotton in knit sweaters.
- Finally, ramie fiber also uses in fishnets, canvas, upholstery fabrics, straw hats, and fire hoses.
In sum, above all are the most common uses of ramie fiber. The uses of ramie fibers are increasing day by day.
1 comment
Peter Gorse
As ramie requires chemicals to degum the resins which hold the fibres together. Wouldn’t you see residues of the chemicals used in the chemical composition of ramie fibres and should therefore be included?