EFFECTS OF NH_4HCO_3ON RETTING FLAX

A new biological retting flax method of adding NH 4HCO 3 to the retting liquid was investigated. The result showed that the new retting method increased the number of pectin-decomposing anaerobes and the activity of pectinase, so the retting period was reduced and the quality of the flax fiber was improved compared with natural retting flax method. Fig 2, Tab 3, Ref 9