Pectinase treatments on technical fibres of flax: Effects on water sorption and mechanical properties

► The use of enzymes was explored as an environmentally friendly means of improving the quality of flax fibre for composite applications. ► Polygalacturonase treatment on non-retted fibres of flax, variety Hermes, decreased their tensile properties. ► Pectate lyase treatment on non-retted fibres of flax improved the tensile properties of technical fibres. ► Pectate lyase treatment was able to mime dew retting in term bundle division and water vapour sorption properties. ► Nanoindentation data indicated the highest stiffness of the secondary wall for pectate-lyase treated fibres.