Ramie: Reviving an Ancient Fiber for Sustainable Textiles

Ramie (Boehmeria Nivea) is a natural bast fiber that has gained increasing attention as a sustainable alternative in the textile industry. The growing global demand for textiles and the environmental impacts of synthetic fibers have spurred the exploration of renewable, biodegradable fiber sources. Ramie stands out for its high cellulose content, high tensile strength, natural luster, durability, and good moisture-absorption properties. Historically cultivated in Asia, particularly in China and India, ramie has been used for centuries in textile production and in the making of traditional fabrics. This chapter presents a comprehensive overview of ramie fiber, including its historical background, chemical composition, and physical and mechanical properties. The structural components of the fiber—cellulose, hemicellulose, lignin, and pectin—and their influence on fiber characteristics are discussed. The chapter also explains the cell wall structure of natural fibers and the factors that affect the properties of ramie fibers, including cultivation conditions, harvesting time, and storage conditions. In addition, several surface modification techniques used to improve fiber performance are described, including alkalization, silane treatment, acetylation, polymer grafting, and plasma-based modification. The main extraction methods for ramie fibers—biological retting, mechanical processing, and chemical degumming—are also reviewed, along with their advantages and limitations. Furthermore, the chapter discusses the major limitations of ramie fibers, including stiffness, low elasticity, challenges with dyeability, and processing difficulties. Finally, the chapter outlines the wide range of applications of ramie fibers in textiles, industrial products, paper and packaging, handicrafts, sustainable products, and composite materials.