Flax

Production region of Flax: Flax is cultivated on a commercial scale in Belgium, Holland, England, Russia and Ireland. Also cultivated in Canada, U.S.A. and Argentina.

Chemical composition of Flax:

Constituents	Percent
Cellulose	76
Wax like substance	2.5
Lignin	2.7
Protein	2.5
Pectins	2.0
Ash	0.8
Unidentified parts	13.5

Physical properties of Flax:

1. Length and diameter: Average length 45-60cm and maximum 100cm. Thickness varies 15-17µ.
2. Handle and average: Flax fiber surface is rough.
3. Strength: Tenacity of flax fiber is 57.4 CN/Tex, wet strength is 20% higher than dry state.
4. Color and luster: Flax fiber is brownish or yellowish or grey in color. It has natural luster.
5. Elasticity: Within its small degree of stretch flax is an elastic fiber.

Chemical Properties of flax:

1. Bleaching: Flax is more different to bleach than cotton after bleaching it become white, soft and lustrous.
2. Effect of acid: It is attacked by hot and cold concentrated acid.
3. Effect of alkali: Flax has good resistance to alkali.
4. Effect of organic solvents: Resistance to organic.
5. Insect: Flax is not attacked by insect.
6. Effect of heat: Highly resistance to decomposition up to about 120ºC.
7. Conductivity: Flax is a good conductor of heat, this is one of the reason why linen fell so cool.