Evaluation of the Hemp Shive (Cannabis sativa L.) Energy Requirements Associated with the Biocomposite Compaction Process

Abstract

The main purpose of the present study was to develop an environmentally friendly and economical biocomposite that can be used to make hemp shive (Cannabis sativa L.) chipboard. The study involved the creation of a sample made of hemp shives and PLA (Polylactide) thermoplastic with varying amounts of concentrations of this plastic (25 and 50%) following a series of testing studies. The variabilities were differentiated fractions at four different levels (f1, f2, f3, and f4) ranging from 0–2 mm, 2–4 mm, 4–6 mm, and 6–8 mm. In this light, the purpose of this research was to optimize the parameters that will affect the compaction process and strength of the biocomposites the researchers tested, which were made from shredded hemp residues and PLA (polylactide). According to this hypothesis, the quality of the biocomposite produced depends on the variation of fractions that constitute the composite. This study aims to provide insight into the energy requirements associated with the production of a biocomposite from hemp scraps and PLA thermoplastic, in order to determine its feasibility. The study compared the densities of different hemp fraction mixtures. The conversion factor (χ) was used while calculating the specific density of the fractions, f1, f2, f3, and f4, which came to 1377.33 kg·m−3, 1122.27 kg·m−3, 1071.26 kg·m−3, and 1275.31 kg·m−3, respectively. The specific density of blends containing 50% PLA material was calculated to be 1326.32 kg·m−3. For blends containing 50% PLA, by taking into account the conversion factor, the density fractions were 1324.29 kg·m−3, 1428.34 kg·m−3, and 1479.36 kg·m−3. Using different types of mixtures and fractions to analyze the total compaction work values: Based on the addition of 50% PLA to fractions f3 (4 ÷ 6) and f4 (6 ÷ 8), bulk density ranged between 221.09 kg·m−3 and 305.31 kg·m−3. Based on the compaction process results, the density values for the various fractions ranged from 1101.28 kg·m−3 to 1292.40 kg·m−3. Depending on what density is desired, the amount of compaction work required, on average, ranges from 1.1 × 10−5 J to 4.5 × 10−5 J.