Ramie fiber
Ramie
is a flowering tree in the indigenous nettle family of East Asia. Used for at
least 6,000 years and used primarily for fabric production, ramie is one of the
oldest fiber crops. It is the bast fiber, and the ramie fiber used for textiles is
derived from the inner bark of vegetable stalks, not wood stems or outer bark. This fiber is usually harvested two to three times a year but can be harvested up to
six times per year under good growing conditions. On the other hand, ramie
requires chemical processing to de-gum the fiber. The perennial plant produces
many stalks, each growing to a height of 1.9 to 2.4 m. The leaves that grow on
the upper part of the stem are slightly heart-shaped with serrated edges. The
leaves are covered with bright green upper and white hairs below; Green on both
sides of the variety of green radium. The greenish-white flowers form growing
clusters from the angle between the leaf stalk and the stalk.
Properties of ramie fiber
i.
Ramie fiber is a flowering plant in the nettle family Urticaceae,
ii.
It requires chemical processing to de-gum the fiber,
iii.
It is a fine absorbent quick drying fiber, is slightly stiff, and possesses a high
natural luster.
iv.
Its plant height is 2.5m and its strength is eight times more than cotton.
v.
It shows more strength when wet.
vi.
It is especially known for its ability to hold shape, reduce wrinkles and
introduce a silky sheen to the fabric's appearance
vii.
It is not as durable as other fibers but is usually used as a blend with other
fibers such as cotton or wool.
viii.
It resembles linen in absorption, density, and microscopic appearance.
ix.
It does not dye as well as cotton.
x.
It has high molecular crystals, is hard and brittle, and will break if folded
repeatedly in the same place.
xi.
It lacks elasticity and is less likely to have elasticity and longevity.
Cultivation of ramie
When
the plant starts flowering or just before, it signals both growth and decline
and the plant remains at its maximum fiber content and yields. The stalks are
cut just above the lateral roots or by bending the stems. This enables the core
to break and the cortex to be dispersed from the plant.
After
harvesting, the stalks are decorated while the plants are fresh. If this is not
done while the plants are still fresh, the plants will dry out and the bark
will be difficult to remove. The bark is then dried as soon as possible to
prevent bacteria and fungi from invading.
Fiber
extraction occurs in three stages. In the first step, the cortex is removed and
it can be done manually or by machine. In the second step, the cortex is mostly
scraped to remove the outer skin, the parenchyma in the bast layer, and some
gums and pectin. In the third step, the residual cortex components are washed,
dried, and degummed to remove the spinnable fiber.
Advantages of ramie
i.
Ramie is resistant to bacteria, mildew, alkalis, rotting, light, and insect
attacks.
ii.
It has extremely absorbent power, for this reason, it is comfortable to wear.
iii.
Its fabric dyeing is fairly easy than others.
iv.
It is naturally stain-resistant.
v.
Its fabric strength increases when wet.
vi.
It withstands high water temperatures during laundering.
vii.
A smooth lustrous appearance improves with washing.
viii.
It keeps its shape and does not shrink.
ix.
It is very strong and durable, with tensile strength eight times that of cotton and
seven times greater than silk.
x.
It can be bleached.
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