Difference between revisions of "Flax"

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[[File:11.7405-F3409CR-d1.jpg|thumb|Hanging Scroll <br>MFA# 11.7405]]
[[File:67.59-SC58867.jpg|thumb|Spindle with flax <br>MFA# 67.59]]
== Description ==
== Description ==

Latest revision as of 13:42, 25 June 2020

Hanging Scroll
MFA# 11.7405


Any plant of the genus Linum, especially Linum usitatissimum that is native to Europe. Flax plants are grown for both their fibers and seeds. Flax fibers are believed to be the first vegetable fiber used by man (about 5000 CBE). They have been found in prehistoric cave dwellings in Switzerland. Ancient Egyptian pictographs detail the process for making flax into cloth and Linen mummy cloths have been found. By the 17th century, linen manufacturing was an important industry in Western Europe. The soft, flexible fibers are produced by retting the stem of the plant, then washing and cleaning the fibers. Flax fibers of thinner and longer than Cotton, but the fiber tube has thicker walls resulting in a stronger thread. Additionally, flax fibers are used to make shoe thread, bookbinding thread, fish line, twine, and paper. Waste flax fibers are used in banknotes, cigarette covers, and writing paper. The seeds from the flax plant are used to produce Linseed oil. Linseed oil is used for cooking and as a paint medium.

Spindle with flax
MFA# 67.59

Synonyms and Related Terms

Linum usitatissimum; Hør (Deut.); lino (Esp.); linum (Fr.); vlas (Ned.); linho (Port.); lin (Sven.);

Physical and Chemical Properties

Resistant to alkali, dilute acid, most organic solvents. Degrades in strong acids. Elongation = 1.8% (dry); 2.2% (wet); Moisture regain = 12%; Fiber length = 6-65 mm; diameter = 0.02 mm; Natural fiber color = yellowish to pale gray. Chlorine test stains linen fibers a bright red. Density = 1.5

Woman spinning flax
MFA# 96.906

Paper fiber type: non-woody/bast. Using transmitted light microscopy, fibers are identified by their prominent nodes with cross-markings and dislocations. Fibers are long with indistinguishable lumens. If shive was used, additional small pitted fibers, pitted vessel elements, and other cells may be present. Difficult to distinguish from other Bast fiber. Appearance with Graff "C" stain: pinkish red due to high Alpha cellulose; nodes will stain red. Average dimensions of fibers: length 33mm, width 19μm. Common pulping method: Soda.

Hazards and Safety

Degrades slowly in sunlight and temperatures above 120C. Resistant to mildew, insects and pests. Silverfish will eat starched flax.

Additional Information


Additional Images

Sources Checked for Data in Record
