stängelbast

Stängelbast is a term used to describe bast fibers obtained from the stems of plants. Bast fibers are located in the phloem, the layer between the outer bark and the wood, and are separated from surrounding tissues through retting and subsequent mechanical processing. Stängelbast specifically refers to these stem-derived fibers, as opposed to leaf or fruit fibers.

The most well-known stem fibers come from flax and hemp, with other commercially important sources including jute and ramie. Fiber production typically involves retting to loosen the fibers, followed by decortication, scutching, and hackling to separate and align the fibers for use. Retting methods vary and can influence fiber fineness, length, color, and strength.

Properties of stängelbast fibers generally include high tensile strength and stiffness, good moisture absorption, and biodegradability. The exact characteristics depend on the plant species, retting technique, fiber length, and modernization of processing. They can be produced into spun yarns, woven fabrics, nonwoven materials, or used as reinforcement in natural-fiber-reinforced polymer composites.

Applications span textiles such as fabrics for apparel and upholstery, geotextiles, and specialty products, as well as components in green composites for automotive and construction uses. In addition to performance, sustainability is a key consideration: stängelbast fibers are renewable and biodegradable, but retting and processing practices influence environmental impact.

Historically central to traditional textiles, stängelbast remains relevant as interest grows in natural fibers and sustainable materials. See also bast fiber, retting, flax, and hemp.