Ramie fabric is valued as a summer fabric because of its excellent quality
of air permeability and moisture-absorption. The fabric is abrasion
resistant and is stronger than cotton and linen. It is not harmed by mild
acids and is resistant to alkali. Ramie fabric readily take dyes and does
not fade easily. It is easily laundered and dries quickly. It becomes smooth
and lustrous with each wash.Blended ramie fabric is more common than pure one. It goes well with other fabrics. Blending with cotton makes it more resistant to wear than cotton alone. With polyester, ramie fabric becomes wrinkle resistant and shrinks less. Ramie-silk blends give firmness to the fabric. Ramie blends are used as both, knitted and woven fabrics. Blending also facilitates for easy care of the fabric.
Ramie fabric is obtained from the ramie plant, a tall shrub grown in South-east Asia. It is also known as "rhea" or "China grass", a member of the nettle family, Boehmeria nivea. China is the leading producer of Ramie. Other major producers are Brazil, Korea, and the Philippines.
Characteristics of Ramie Fabric
- It has permanent luster.
- It has great strength.
- It is abrasion resistant.
- It wrinkles easily.
- It is extremely absorbent and dries quickly.
- It is resistant to alkalis and mild acids.
- It is resistant to rotting, light, mildew and insects.
- It readily accepts dyes.
- It can be blended well with other fabrics.
- Ramie fabric is used as clothing apparels, bedsheets, tablecloths,
napkins, knit products, and pillowcases.
- It is also used as carpet backings, flag buntings, fire hoses, fishnets, naval cordage, sail cloth, canvas, cable insulation, sacks, etc.
