Applicability of Flax and Hemp as Raw Materials for Production of Cotton-like Fibres and Blended Yarns in Poland

Abstract

This paper contains a review of basic research and new concepts in flax and hemp fibre processing for flax and hemp cotton-like and wool-like yarns spun by different spinning systems. The review covers the trends and economical conditions since the beginning of the 20th century. We present the advantages and disadvantages of flax and hemp as raw materials for the production of cottonised fibres from the agricultural and economical point of view. Some significant morphological differences between flax and hemp are highlighted regarding the applicability of these fibres to the cottonisation process and spinning in blends with cotton by the pneumatic-mechanical spinning system. The content of mechanically obtained flax and hemp cottonised fibres in blends with cotton and the range of linear density of yarns is discussed. Examples of blended yarns with flax and hemp cottonised fibres applied in ready-made products are also presented.