Comparison of Ramie Degumming Processes
Ramie is a perennial herbaceous plant known for its strong, lustrous fibers with excellent moisture absorption and breathability. However, due to the presence of pectin, hemicellulose, and other gummy substances, raw ramie is stiff and difficult to spin. Degumming removes these impurities through chemical, biological, or physical means, allowing the fibers to separate, soften, and improve in spinnability and dyeability. Common degumming methods include chemical and biological processes. The chemical method offers complete and efficient degumming but causes pollution and may damage fibers, whereas the biological method is eco-friendly and produces high-quality fibers, though it requires longer time and higher cost. Degumming quality directly affects the softness, luster, and subsequent spinning performance of ramie fibers. This study compares biologically degummed and chemically degummed refined dry ramie fibers in terms of chemical composition, physical properties, and microstruc...