Process for Removing Fibres from Plants.

Manawatu Herald, 3 February 1898, Page 2

Process for Removing Fibres from Plants.

Ever since the possibilities of ramie have been recognised, and more especially since it has been practically

worked in the mills, a large number of inventors heave experimented with various processes for more effectually and easily separating the fibre from the stalks. Most of the processes have been complete failures, due undoubtedly to the ignorance of their inventors as to the real nature of the plant, and to a total disregard of the uses to which the fibres were to be put when separated. Some of the processes of retting were also very costly, and are even now, so that it is not surprising to find that attempts are being made to reduce this cost, afid thereby admit of the introduction of the fibre on a larger scale. We have now before us particulars of another process due to a French chemist, the object of which is to render it unnecessary to remove the gum in distinct operations. The process consists in subjecting the | ramie stalks, preferably in a green I condition, for some minutes (according | to the quantity of ramie treated) to the action ot gaseous acids under pressure, which have for their effect to neutralise the organic terments, and to bring the gum into such a molecular condition that after the stalks have been dried the gum no longer adheres to the fibre, and falls off ih dust, together with the bark and the woody fibre, during the operation of shreading or crushing; , The process must be continued until the above conditions are obtained. The gaseous acid employed is preferably carbonic acid irt a nascent condition— that is to say, at the moment when it is produced by the reactions of the mineral acid or the like on an alkaline or earthy carbonate or bicarbonate. A suitable apparatus is employed, for carrying out the process. — " Textile Manufacturer."