Definition
Tow refers to the short, tangled, or irregular fibers that are separated as a byproduct during the processing of bast fibers — particularly flax (linen) and hemp — through hackling or breaking. Unlike the long, parallel-aligned line fibers, tow fibers are short, coarse, and uneven, and are therefore processed separately. The term is also used generally for short-fiber waste fractions from bast fiber extraction.
Use in the textile industry
Tow is traditionally used for the production of coarse yarns, ropes, insulation material, and sealing cords, as its short fiber length prevents fine spinning. In the construction industry, tow (particularly hemp tow) is used as a sealing material for pipe joints. It also serves as a filling material, as a raw material for burlap-type woven fabrics, and as a source material for paper and fiber-reinforced composites.
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