7.1.2 Softening

The long and short hemp fibres may eventually be softened and made more flexible. This can be done mechanically with a roller or by using additives. Softening can take place at different points in the process: on fibres, continuous hackling sliver or passage sliver, yarn, fabric or knitwear.

Mechanical softening
This operation can be carried out using the hemp softener (Figure below). This device consists of 14 pairs of fluted rollers arranged in a semi-cylindrical shape. Three rollers rotate forward and two in the opposite direction. During this continuous process, the fibres are cleaned from the last woody particles and other contaminants. Thanks to this process, the fibres will also split better during further processing.

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Hemp softener.

Softening with use of additives
Several textile chemicals suppliers have launched products to soften fibres. Note that these products sometimes contain silicones. The disadvantage of using additives is that this operation is sometimes done in an aqueous solution and the fibres have to be dried again before further processing.