Novel Methods of Degumming and Bleaching of Indian Flax Variety Tiara

Abstract

Tiara is the only fiber variety flax recently been introduced in India. The water retted flax fibers were mechanically extracted and subjected to degum and bleach using various chemicals and enzymes and the treatment conditions were optimized. The tenacity and elongation of the fiber were found to be improved when ethylene diamine tetra acetate (EDTA) was used to degum the fiber before peroxide bleaching. The effect of hydrogen peroxide in flax bleaching was studied at different mediums. Oxalic acid and EDTA assisted peroxide bleaching shows 23% and 50% increase in tenacity and whiteness as compared to raw fiber. The characterization of fiber done through FTIR, SEM, and analysis of chemical composition, shows the removal of pectin and hemicellulose from the fiber as a result of chemical treatments.

Keywords

• flax
• tiara
• degumming
• pretreatment
• fiber extraction
• fiber processing