Linen cord is a woven product. It is obtained by combining several threads into strands, which are then twisted into a rope. It is made from coarse linen fiber and is used in packaging, industrial, construction purposes, as well as in transport. Products of this kind have been popular for centuries due to their low cost, combined with high strength, sufficient friction coefficient, low tensile properties and low electrification. Recently, they began to appreciate the material for interesting decorative properties.
Due to the absence of static electricity accumulation, the linen cord is successfully used for work with flammable or explosive loads. When burning, this product does not emit harmful components, which allows you to use it when creating life-saving appliances. In addition, the cord is light enough, which increases the convenience of its use. Particularly popular products of this kind were among seafarers of past centuries, until they were replaced by marine chains for anchors and synthetic materials for rigging ships.
Flax cord as a product based on natural raw materials is subject to environmental influences. But this does not prevent it from being used in construction for decorating logging seams (instead of tow) or for decorating interior elements of premises. To increase the service life, in this case, an environmentally friendly product such as linseed oil is used, which impregnate the product. Sometimes ropes are used by designers to create crafts and decorations. For example, thin cords can be seen as the basis for jewelry made from natural materials. Thick ones are suitable for braiding.
The production of ropes is regulated by several GOSTs, among which No. 1765-89 just relates to rope products from flax. This document states that the ropes can be produced with a diameter of 6-14 millimeters and consist of 3-4 strands, each of which includes 9-12 heels (the heel is a linen strand impregnated with anticorrosive and antiseptic compounds, which give improved biostability and prolong the term product operation). Ropes made of natural materials are strong enough and withstand loads from 330 to 1050 kg, depending on the brand of goods.
Linen rope is made on the basis of GOST No. 1868-88. For its manufacture, only short fibers are taken (up to number three). When producing such products, they are guided by the same principle as when making ropes - yarn is twisted into strands, which are then twisted into ropes. In this case, the twisting of yarn and strands is usually done in directions opposite to each other.
State standards indicate that pure flax raw materials are not used today. Instead, hemp is added to the flax for production, which makes it possible to obtain products with a diameter of 6.5-24 millimeters that can withstand a load of up to 1400 daN. The finished product should not have free alkalis, acids, copper salts, which will allow flax ropes to be recognized as environmentally friendly products. Unfortunately, both the rope and the linen cord are products with a fairly short shelf life. For example, according to GOST, the guaranteed shelf life for them is one year from the date of manufacture.