Importance

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Abstract

The extraction of fibres from corn husks and/or leaves or corn husks alone is accomplished to provide fibres which are substantially free of the vegetable binder material. The corn husks (and leaves) are preferably allowed to dry to a substantially moisture-free state and are then soaked in a caustic solution for a predetermined period in which the caustic solution frees the fibres from the vegetable matter of the corn husks (and leaves) and reacts with the fibre to strengthen the same. Before the caustic material has an opportunity to degrade the fibres of the corn husks (and leaves), the caustic solution is diluted by rinsing the corn husks (and leaves). While still wet, the fibrous material is straightened so as to dispose the fibrous components of the corn husks (and leaves) in substantially parallel arrangement and in the process the excess binder material is separated from the fibrous material. The fibrous material is then permitted to dry and is subjected to a combing action, preferably by processing the material in a woolen carding machine. The combed fibrous material is formed in to a tow or fibre bundle of substantial thickness and this tow bundle is then twisted and drafted to form the end product, i.e., twine. Preferably before twisting, the combed fibrous material is lubricated by passing the tow through a bath of a suitable lubricant, e.g., ethylene glycol, which serves to lubricate the fibres in the tow to permit them to be twisted and drafted into a twine which has substantial strength.

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First Claim