Introduction
Flax
is a member of the genus Linum in the Linaceae family. It is a food and fiber
crop grown in the colder regions of the world. Fabrics made from flax are known
as linen in Western countries and are traditionally used for bed sheets,
underclothes, and table linen. Its oil is known as linseed oil. In addition to
referring to the plant itself, the term “flax” refers to the unplanned fiber of
the plant. The plant species is known only as a single plant and the wild
species seems to have been bred only once from a wild species called the pale
flax from Linum Bienne.
Flax fiber
Flax
fiber is collected from the base below the surface of the stem of the flax
plant. It is soft, lustrous, and flexible; Fiber bundles have the presence of
blonde hair, so the description is "flaxen" hair. It is stronger than
cotton fiber but its elasticity is less.
Properties of flax fiber
1.
Flax is a bast fiber
2.
It tree's height is 1.2 m tall with long stems.
3.
It is a food and fiber crop
4.
It is an ingredient in many wood-finishing products
5.
It is an ornamental plant
6.
Its fruit is a round, dried capsule 5-9 mm in diameter, 4-7 mm long containing
a few shiny brown seeds.
7.
It is naturally smooth and straight.
8.
It is stronger than cotton.
Plant description and cultivation
Flax
is grown from its seeds, which can be ground into food or turned into linseed
oil, it is used as a nutritional supplement and as an ingredient in many kinds of wood-finishing products. Flax also grows in the garden as an ornamental plant. In
addition, flax fiber is used to make linen.
Cultivated
flax trees are 1.2 m tall with long stems. The leaves are sticky green, slender
lanceolate, 20-40 mm long, and 3 mm wide. The flowers are pure pale blue with
five petals, 15-25 mm in diameter. The fruit is a round, dried capsule 5-9 mm
in diameter, 4-7 mm long containing a few shiny brown seeds shaped like an
apple pipe.
The most suitable soils for flax cultivation are the alluvial kind which has a big
proportion of organic matter. Flax often rises above the waterline in cranberry
bogs. Heavy soils are unsuitable, such as crunchy or dry sandy nature soils.
Agriculture requires a few fertilizers or pesticides. Within eight weeks of
sowing, the plant reaches 70-80 cm in 50 days, reaching 10-15 cm in height.
Flax fiber processing
Flax fiber processing is divided into two parts: the first part is usually performed by
the farmer, to bring the flax fibers in proper condition for general purposes.
It can be performed by three machines: one for threshing a seed, one for
breaking and separating straw from fiber, and one for separating broken straw
and material for fiber. The second part of the process brings in a state for
very beautiful purposes such as lace, cambric, damask, and very fine linen.
This second part is performed by a filter.
Uses of flax fiber
1.
Flax fiber is used to make linen.
2.
Its oil is used to paint and varnish
3.
It provides us calories, fat, fiber, and protein.
4.
It is used as feed for swine and poultry.
5.
Its crushing seed is used as horse and dog food.
6.
The best grades of flax are used for fabrics like damasks, lace, and sheeting.
7.
Its coarser grade is used for twine, rope, canvas, etc.
8. It is also used as a papermaking raw material.
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