Effect of Refined Processing on the Physical and Chemical Properties of Hemp Bast Fibers

In this study we focus on some key problems encountered in the processing of bast fibers from hemp for the production of textiles. These problems include the high content of pectin, the excessive rigidity and the poor “spinnability” of hemp fibers. The results of a thorough analysis of the physical and chemical properties of the fibers at each step of the process are presented. The parameters measured include the length, fineness, surface appearance, tensile properties, moisture absorption, flexibility and crystallinity of the fibers. The refinement of the processing described here results in fibers that are thinner, cleaner, more flexible and more uniform in length, all of which contributed to an improved spinning performance of the hemp fibers.