Influence of production progress on the heavy metal content in flax fibers

The aim of this work was to determine the content of selected heavy metals in flax materials depending on the stage of fiber manufacturing. Non-treated natural fiber composition was compared with that of fibers processed. Changes in the composition of yarn before and after the following scutching, hackling, washing, and bleaching were also investigated. Analysis of heavy metals was performed applying inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Flax material was mineralized in closed Teflon vials with a mixture of concentrated nitric acid which were then placed in a microwave oven system. Analytical quality of the obtained results was checked by the determination of elements in the Certificate Reference Materials of IAEA-V-10. The acquired results proved that the content of metals in flax clearly varies depending on the treatment process applied (bleaching, washing, coloration). Significant differences were also connected with the dye used. Presented at the 35th International Conference of the Slovak Society of Chemical Engineering, Tatranské Matliare, 26–30 May 2008.