FIG. 6.
Microscopic features.—Fibres transparent, regular, with tapered ends, side walls thick, consequently central canal small, smooth externally, sometimes slightly striated. Filaments easily split up into fibres.
Sections.—Polygonal, regular, angles more or less acute, lumen represented by point; slight indications of concentric arrangement of fibre substance.
Micro-chemical reaction.—Blue with iodine solution.
General chemical characteristic.—Pecto-cellulose.
Composition of raw fibre.—This varies with the different species, and is doubtless also influenced by variations in the {49} processes of retting. The following are the analyses of two samples of Belgian flax (heckled):—
| Müller. | ||
|---|---|---|
| Cellulose | 81·99 | 70·55 |
| Fat and wax | 2·37 | 2·34 |
| Aqueous extract | 3·62 | 5·94 |
| Pectous substances | 2·72 | 9·29 |
| Water | 8·60 | 10·56 |
| Ash | ·70 | 1·32 |
The chemistry of the flax fibre has been investigated by Kolb.
Forms in which employed.—Scutching refuse, spinning waste, threads, rags, new and old.