Dr. Ritu Pandey, an esteemed Assistant Professor at Chandra Shekhar Azad University of Agriculture & Technology in Kanpur, brings a wealth of expertise from her extensive background in the textiles industry, especially in flax fibres. Proficient in various domains including R&D, Business Planning, Business Development, Strategic Planning, and International Business, Ritu is not only a distinguished academic but also a skilled practitioner in her field. Her academic journey culminated in a PhD in Textiles & Clothing from Kanpur University, solidifying her position as a leading figure in the field.
One of Dr. Pandey’s notable achievements is the patent she holds for the Extraction of Flax Fibres using the Gel Retting Method, marking a significant milestone for her institution. In an exclusive interview with The Interview World, Dr. Ritu Pandey passionately discusses the transformative potential of her Flax Fibre Processing Technology, highlighting its capacity to streamline and enhance the manufacturing process of flax fibre, ultimately contributing to advancements in the textiles industry.
Q: How has your research on flax fibres processing advanced our understanding of sustainable textile production?
A: In my research, I have developed a straightforward technique for retting flax fibres, utilizing commercially available semi-cellulosic hydrogel. Remarkably, this method efficiently concludes within a mere four-hour timeframe. Multiple aspects demonstrate its superiority over traditional water retting: it notably shortens duration, increases yield of high-quality fibers, heightens fiber tenacity and elongation rates, decreases water usage, and eco-friendly utilizes drained retting water in agricultural contexts. This innovation not only streamlines the retting process but also promotes sustainability by minimizing environmental impact. Such advancements hold significant promise for enhancing productivity and reducing resource consumption in fibre production.
Q: How are flax fibres utilized in various applications?
A: More and more people are increasingly acknowledging the remarkable biodegradability and eco-friendliness of flax fibers, marking them as a material of growing importance. Among the diverse applications of flax and allied fibres, garments emerge as a prominent sector. Researchers have extensively worked to enhance the fibers’ suitability for apparel by employing a range of techniques, including developing union fabrics and fusing traditional and modern methods. Renowned for their softness, lustre, flexibility, and impressive tensile strength, flax fibres are indispensable in the textile industry, contributing to the creation of superior-quality clothing materials.
Moreover, the versatility of flax extends to the production of a myriad of utility products, including but not limited to canvas, towels, dress materials, mattresses, draperies, packaging bags, and twines. Moreover, industries utilize flax fibers in the production of high-quality paper, banknotes, and cigarette paper, leveraging their advantageous properties. Beyond industrial applications, flax fibres serve a vital role as geotextiles, effectively combating soil erosion and supporting a multitude of ground engineering endeavors, showcasing their multifaceted utility and sustainability.
Q: How does your patent contribute to accelerating the manufacturing process of flax fibres?
A: I own a patent that holds unparalleled uniqueness in commercial translation. It revolutionizes the flax fibre retting process, compressing it from a week to just a few hours. This incredible acceleration in processing has the potential to significantly decrease manufacturers’ time to market and improve the yield of high-quality output from flax fibres.
Q: How can India capitalize on the business potential of flax fibres?
A: India, encompassing 11.82% of the global landmass, stands as the third-largest flax crop producer worldwide, trailing only behind Canada and China. However, India historically focused solely on cultivating flax for its seeds. Currently, there’s a notable shift towards cultivating flax for its fibres. This shift is evident across various Indian states, including Himachal Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Bihar, Maharashtra, Odisha, Jharkhand, Assam, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Telangana.
Flax fibres, traditionally utilized in the textile industry, are finding new applications in the composite materials sector, marking a burgeoning industry segment. This burgeoning application involves utilizing flax fibres as reinforcement and filler in the production of flax fibre composites. Binding materials range from thermoplastics like polypropylene to thermoset resins such as polyester or polyurethane. These composites find diverse applications, including automotive interior substrates, furniture, and various consumer products based on flax fibres.
