Study of solutions to optimize the extraction of hemp fibers for composite materials

Abstract

Fibres from hemp stems can be extracted through different mechanical processes following dew or water retting etc. Extraction processes generally have a significant impact on mechanical and morphological properties of the fibres. In this study, hemp fibres are extracted following three different ways. In the first route hemp fibres are extracted from FUTURA 75 variety stems by performing scutching, hackling and microwave degumming. A second batch of fibres of the same variety was extracted by scutching and hackling after an initial microwave degumming treatment. In the third route, the same variety of hemp fibres are extracted from dew retted stems grown at Piacenza (Italy). Finally, the mechanical properties of single fibres as well as the fineness of technical fibres of all types of extracted fibres are evaluated and compared and the interest of the microwave degumming for hemp stem is evaluated.