The Impact of Mechanical and Chemico-mechanical Treatment on Natural Fibre Dimensions

Abstract

Abstract. The Research aim is to find the most time and energy economic treatment of natural fibres to obtain micro and nanofibres. Alkaline treatment, steam explosion autohydrolysis and ultrasonic treatment effect on hemp fibres and shives dimensions were examined. Fibres length, diameter, form factor and sifting amount were analyzed. The results of the analysis show that an increase in treatment intensity gives a higher amount of fibres being noticeably shorter and thinner than the untreated dew-retted fibres. Fine content of fibres and shives increases, when treatment intensity increases.