Abstract: A nonwoven composite fibrous material adaptable as an insulation medium is formed by a loose layer of inorganic fibers, such as rock wool, glass, ceramic, carbon-graphite or the like, bonded together by at least one carrier web layer positioned on a surface of the inorganic fibrous layer. The carrier web layer is a blend of inorganic fibers and organic fibers with the organic fibers comprising about 1% or less by weight of the total nonwoven composite fibrous material. Both organic and inorganic fibers of the carrier web are advanced into interlocking relation with the fibers of the inorganic layer by needle punching the carrier web.

Abstract: This is a method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber, such as ramie, flax, or hemp bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material and coloring gums therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is desirably washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber and remove water soluble material and other debris therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time of between 10 and 30 minutes to remove the pectin from the plant fiber. The acidic treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature in the range of between 60.degree. C. and 70.degree. C. and has a pH between about 2.0 and 3.5. Thereafter, the plant bast fiber with the pectin removed therefrom, is removed from the acidic treatment solution and a sufficient amount of NaOH is added thereto to increase the pH of the treatment solution to about 11.0.

Abstract: A method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber, such as ramie flax, or hemp bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber to remove water soluble material therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous, acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time between about 10 to 20 minutes to degum the plant fiber. The treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature in the range between about 60.degree. C. and 65.degree. C. and has a pH between about 2.0 and 3.5.

Abstract: A method for degumming decorticated plant bast fiber such as ramie bast fiber, to remove pectin-containing material therefrom. The decorticated plant bast fiber is washed with a washing solution containing a surface active agent to penetrate the plant bast fiber to remove water soluble material therefrom. The washed plant bast fiber is then rinsed. The washed and rinsed plant bast fiber is treated with an aqueous, acidic treatment solution of fungal pectinase for a period of time up to about one hour to degum the plant fiber. The treatment solution is maintained at an elevated temperature and has a pH between about 2.0 and about 4.5.