Direct extraction of fibre from a ramie bark

In this research, a new method was developed for extracting fibre directly from the ramie. High-speed water treatment was found to be beneficial for the removal of husks. The proposed fibre extraction process included retting, first high-speed water treatment, oxidative degumming and second high-speed water treatment. The retting time and hydrogen peroxide concentration suitable for the removal of husks were found to be 7 days and 8 g/L, respectively. There was very little residual husk in the extracted sample. Scanning electron microscopy showed that most of the gums were removed. The fineness and tenacity values of the ramie fibre that was extracted using the proposed method were close to the values of the ramie fibre extracted by using the traditional process. As compared with the traditional process, the chemical agent consumption, boil time and labour intensity of the new extraction method were less.