To investigate the effect of delignification of ramie fabrics, we studied the effects of sodium chlorite treatment. The texture and physical properties of the treated ramie fabrics were evaluated using the Kawabata Evaluation System. We also investigated the surface structure, the wrinkle resistance, the water absorbency, the hygroscopic property, and the drying property.
The physical properties including strength of the ramie fabrics were maintained after delignification.
On the other hand, the water absorbency and the moisture content of ramie fabrics increased. This may be attributed to the higher hydrophilic nature of the surface of the treated fabrics. The air permeability obviously increased after delignification. The surface structure of the treated fabrics showed that each single yarn of the ramie fabrics became thinner and the fabrics became more porous after delignification. By delignification, ramie fabrics became more suitable for summer clothing.
