Mechanical Properties Of Hemp Fibres Research Articles

Experimental Study on Mechanical Properties of Hemp Fibers Influenced by Various Parameters

Hemp fibers produced by different extraction techniques that were cultivated in the Portuguese districts of Bragança and Mirandela under various nitrogen fertilization and planting density conditions are examined and mechanically described in this paper. The objective of this study is to evaluate the influence of sowing density, nitrogen fertilization, sample location, and extraction method in order to improve the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. To achieve this, we determined the modulus of elasticity, the tensile strength, and the density. The mean value for the modulus of elasticity was 92.44 ± 7.44 GPa, the mean of tensile strength was 564.98 ± 167.03 MPa, and the mean of the density was 1.64 ± 0.24 g cm−3. We performed a statistical analysis of all parameters using ANOVA and found that the retting method had the greatest influence among all parameters. The associated effects of nitrogen fertilization and sowing density revealed an important influence on tensile strength and specific tensile strength, respectively.

Structural and Mechanical Properties of Hemp Fibers: Effect of Progressive Removal of Hemicellulose and Lignin

ABSTRACT Hemicellulose and lignin were progressively removed from hemp fiber by hydrolysis. SEM, FTIR, XRD analysis and tensile properties evaluation on technical fibers were carried out to understand the structural and mechanical properties of hemp fibers. Significant influence of hemicellulose and lignin content on tensile properties was verified by ANOVA. The fiber tensile strength and initial modulus were decreased with the extensive removal of hemicellulose, along with a constant increasing of elongation at rupture. Torsion and expansion were observed in hemp fibers. It was suggested that the internal structure destruction and reorganization in the ultimate fiber cells was the main reason for the variation of mechanical properties when hemicellulose was gradually dissolved. On the other hand, fiber individualization was achieved by lignin removal and contributed to the elevation of fiber tensile properties. The elongation at break of the hemp fibers decreased slightly with the removal of lignin. NaClO2 solution treatment affected the fiber cells slightly, but effectively changed the properties of the middle lamella jointing between the ultimate fiber cells. The mechanical properties of the hemp fiber were mainly decided by the shearing between single fibers caused by the plastic-like deformation of the middle lamella.

Hemp and Its Derivatives as a Universal Industrial Raw Material (with Particular Emphasis on the Polymer Industry)-A Review.

This review article provides basic information about cannabis, its structure, and its impact on human development at the turn of the century. It also contains a brief description of the cultivation and application of these plants in the basic branches of the economy. This overview is also a comprehensive collection of information on the chemical composition of individual cannabis derivatives. It contains the characteristics of the chemical composition as well as the physicochemical and mechanical properties of hemp fibers, oil, extracts and wax, which is unique compared to other review articles. As one of the few articles, it approaches the topic in a holistic and evolutionary way, moving through the plant’s life cycle. Its important element is examples of the use of hemp derivatives in polymer composites based on thermoplastics, elastomers and duroplasts and the influence of these additives on their properties, which cannot be found in other review articles on this subject. It indicates possible directions for further technological development, with particular emphasis on the pro-ecological aspects of these plants. It indicates the gaps and possible research directions in basic knowledge on the use of hemp in elastomers.

Influence of field retting duration on the biochemical, microstructural, thermal and mechanical properties of hemp fibres harvested at the beginning of flowering

The use of hemp fibres as reinforcements in polymer composites requires a thorough understanding of the hemp fibres transformation processes to obtain a constant quality. In this context, the upstream processing termed field retting is considered. Retting allows a subsequent fibre separation from the plant stems by degradation of cementing compounds by microorganisms. This operation depends on weather conditions and is currently empirically carried out in fields, so that a large variability in the hemp fibres quality (color, morphology, biochemical composition, thermal properties and mechanical properties) is resulting. Therefore, the present study aims to investigate the influence of different retting durations (up to 9 weeks) on hemp fibres properties when harvested at the beginning of flowering growth stage to survey their temporal dynamic. Various assessments were applied on fibres: color observations, morphological (optical microscope), surface (ESEM) and biochemical (gravimetry) analyses, spectrocolorimetric measurements (pectins content), thermogravimetric (TGA) analysis, and mechanical in tensile mode testings. The results reveal that increasing the field retting duration leads to a change of color characteristics from light green to grey due to the development of microbial communities (most probably fungal and bacteria) at the stem surface. A separation of the fibres bundle to elementary fibres occurs with the degradation of pectins during retting. An increase of thermal stability of the fibres is also observed. Both increase of cellulose fraction and crystallinity induce an enhancement in tensile properties.

Oxidation of lignin in hemp fibres by laccase: Effects on mechanical properties of hemp fibres and unidirectional fibre/epoxy composites

Laccase activity catalyzes oxidation and polymerization of phenols. The effect of laccase treatment on the mechanical properties of hemp fibres and hemp fibre/epoxy composites was examined. Laccase treatment on top of 0.5% EDTA+0.2% endo-polygalacturonase (EPG) treatments increased the mechanical properties of hemp fibres and fibre/epoxy composites. Comparing all fibre treatments, composites with 0.5% EDTA+0.2% EPG+0.5% laccase treated fibres had highest stiffness of 42GPa and highest ultimate tensile strength (UTS) of 326MPa at a fibre volume content of 50%. The thermal resistance of hemp fibres increased after laccase treatments, as the maximum degradation temperature increased about 5°C. Oxidation of phenolic hydroxyls in lignin by laccase was observed. Cross-linking of hydroxycinnamates by laccase was not observed. We suggest that the increased mechanical properties of laccase treated hemp fibres and their composites were due to laccase catalyzed polymerization of lignin moieties in hemp fibres.

Effect of harvest time and field retting duration on the chemical composition, morphology and mechanical properties of hemp fibers

The large variability in the mechanical properties of hemp fibers is an issue in relation to their use in high-grade composites. The objective of the present study was to determine the optimal growth stage for harvesting hemp fibers for use in composites and to evaluate the effect of field retting time on mechanical performance of the fibers. Reduction in bast content and thickness of the primary bast fiber layer in stems were found to be highly significant (P<0.01) with plant maturity. A significant increase in the secondary fiber fraction occurred with maturity, reaching a maximum value of 10% at seed maturity. A highly significant reduction in cellulose deposition in fiber cell walls was reflected by reduced fiber wall thickness with plant maturity and was related to the development and ripening of hemp seeds. A statistically significant increase in lignin deposition and a slight decrease in pectins in hemp fiber cell walls were also noted with stem maturity. Microscopy observations and histochemical analyzes corroborated the results from the chemical analyzes and revealed variations in morphological aspects and spatial micro-distributions of carbohydrates and lignin within the cell structure of the hemp stems between early- and late growth phases. Fibers harvested at the beginning of flowering exhibited high tensile strength and strain, which decreased with plant maturity. Reduction in strength was related to the increase in proportion of secondary fibers and decrease in cellulose deposition leading to inferior properties of fibers. A negative effect of field retting occurred only after extended field retting (i.e., 70 days) which was presumably due to accelerated degradation of cellulose by the action of microorganisms.

Analysis of the hemp fiber mechanical properties and their scattering (Fedora 17)

Understanding the mechanical behavior of plant fibers is a key to their development in composite reinforcement. The aim of this work is to better understand the low and scattered mechanical properties of hemp fibers (Fedora 17 variety) by highlighting innovating elements about the relationship between the cell wall components and the fiber mechanical performances. In first time, the morphology of hemp fibers within the stem is studied. Significant differences of lumen or fiber size is noted according to their location. Then, the biochemical analysis, despite a cellulose rate similar to flax varieties, highlights important differences for the nonstructural and matrix pectins distribution and quantity compared with flax. For the first time for hemp, nanoindentation investigations carried out in-situ on stems show that, no matter the location in the stem, the mechanical properties of the S2 layer were similar, proving a good reproducibility of the cell walls structure. Despite moderate differences between the crystallinity indexes, the X-ray diffraction patterns highlight the presence of a significant amorphous matrix polymer rate in the case of hemp.

A Study in Physical and Mechanical Properties of Hemp Fibres

This paper presents the results of the experiments undertaken to evaluate various physical and mechanical properties of hemp fibres. The study of these properties is vital for comparison with similar properties of synthetic fibres and for assessing hemp fibres’ suitability for use as reinforcement in composite materials. The properties of hemp fibres were found to be good enough to be used as reinforcement in composite materials. However, the issues of relatively high moisture content of fibres, variability in fibre properties, and relatively poor fibre/matrix interfacial strength were identified as factors that can reduce the efficiency with which these fibres can be utilised.

Effects of different retting methods on thermal stability and mechanical properties of hemp fibers

Different retting methods were employed in hemp retting, treated hemp fibers by various retting methods were characterized by residual gum content, fineness, tenacity, elongation, and thermal gravimetric analysis. The results indicated that alkali-oxygen one bath process was satisfactory, which achieved hemp fiber with 2.14 tex, residual gum content 2.99% and tenacity 54.33 cN/tex.

Influence of environmental relative humidity on the tensile and rotational behaviour of hemp fibres

The aim of this study is to throw new light on the influence of moisture on the mechanical properties of hemp fibres. Indeed, the behaviour of plant-based fibres strongly depends on their humidity. Although this topic has been relatively well treated for the case of wood, the literature on fibre stemming from annual plants is unfortunately poor. This purpose is, however, of great importance, particularly in view of the production of high-performance composites. The influence of environmental conditions on the static and dynamic tensile moduli and the strength of elementary fibres are investigated using a versatile experimental setup. Novel equipment was also designed to measure the rotation of a fibre about its axis when it was subjected to static loading and moisture variations. Water sorption is shown to have a significant influence on the apparent tensile stiffness, strength and fracture mode of such fibres, and is also shown to act like an activator of the stiffening phenomena under cyclic loading. A remarkable increase in the fibre stiffness of up to 250% is measured. Significant longitudinal elongation, reaching a value in excess of 2%, is associated with this increase in stiffness. The absorption and desorption of moisture also lead to substantial rotation of the fibre about its axis. Water sorption certainly involves a modification of the adhesion between cellulose microfibrils and the amorphous matrix. Under cyclic loading, the cellulose microfibrils could be able to creep into the relaxed amorphous matrix, leading to their re-arrangement, with more parallel orientations with respect to the fibre axis.

Effect of the Fibre Morphology and Aging Conditions on the Mechanical Properties of Hemp Fibers

In this study, digital treatment method was developed in order to reconstruction of the 3D CAD of hemp fibre geometry. The influence of each aging condition (moisture, heat and UV aging) on the mechanical properties of hemp fiber is investigated by micro tensile tests. Different hemp fibre morphologies was presented and discussed. The results showed a high impact of the hemp fibre morphology on their mechanical properties (Young modulus, maximum stress and failure strain). The influence of aging conditions on the mechanical properties of hemp fibers is also investigated.

Study of mechanical properties and performance of aging hemp fibers

The weathering of hemp fiber influences their appearance and mechanical properties. The aim of this study is to better understand the mechanism of aging of hemp fiber exposed to different conditions (moisture, heat and UV aging). A xenon aging test machine was used to simulate and accelerate the natural ageing. The influence of each aging condition on the mechanical properties of hemp fiber is investigated by micro tensile tests. The microstructures and water absorption of these natural fibers were analyzed by means of SEM and gravimetric methods. Humidity absorption of hemp fibers depends on the relative humidity, not concerning the temperature. Temperature accelerates the saturation of fibers. All aging process reduced the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. After 4 weeks exposure, fibers aged by UV has the worst mechanical properties compared to humidity and temperature aging.

Mechanical Modeling of Hemp Fibres Behaviour Using Digital Imaging Treatment

These last years, hemp fibres are using as reinforcement for compounds based on polymer in different industrial manufacturing for their interesting mechanical and ecological properties. The hemp fibres present a non constant cross section and complex geometry that can have a high effect on their mechanical properties. The mechanical properties of hemp fibres (Young moduli, longitudinal stress and failure strain) are rather difficult and request a specific characterization method. In this study, a micro-traction test coupled with a numerical imaging treatment and a finite elements method are used. The mechanical tensile test allows to determinate the evolution of the traction load in function of the displacement until the fibre crack. The numerical imaging allows to measure finely the hemp cross section along the fibre and aims to reconstruct a 3D hemp fibre object model from an image sequence captured by a mobile camera. And lastly, the finite elements method allows to take the real fibre geometry into consideration for the mechanical characterization using inverse optimization simplex method.

Influence of the sampling area of the stem on the mechanical properties of hemp fibers

Natural fibers appear to be a promising alternative to glass fibers for the reinforcement of polymer matrix composites. However, the wide dispersion of their mechanical properties slows down their development. The aim of this study was to evaluate the influence of the sampling area of the stem on the mechanical properties of hemp fibers. Tensile tests were carried out on fibers extracted from the bottom, the middle, and the top of one stem. The results show there is only slight variations between the different areas: fibers from the middle exhibit higher tensile strength and ultimate elongation than top and bottom fibers, but there are no differences in terms of stiffness. A strong dependence of the fiber mechanical properties on their diameter is observed. This dependence induces more dispersion of the properties than the sampling area, thus it seems relevant to consider the whole stem to extract fibers, without defining distinct areas.

Determination of Mechanical Strength Properties of Hemp Fibers Using Near-Infrared Fourier Transform Raman Microspectroscopy

Fourier transform near-infrared (FT-NIR) Raman microspectroscopy was adopted for analyzing the micro mechanical tensile deformation behavior of cellulosic plant fibers. Mechanical strength parameters such as tensile strength, failure strain, and Young's modulus of diversified hemp fibers were determined within the range of single fiber cells and fiber filaments. The analysis of fiber deformation at the molecular level was followed by the response of a characteristic Raman signal of fiber cellulose that is sensitive to the tensile load applied. The frequency shift of the Raman signal at 1095 cm(-1) to lower wavenumbers was observed when the fibers were subjected to tensile strain. Microstructural investigations using electron microscopy under environmental conditions supported the discussion of mechanical properties of hemp fibers in relation to several fiber variabilities. Generally, mechanical strength properties of diversified hemp fibers were discussed at the molecular, microstructural, and macroscale level. It was observed that mechanical strength properties of the fibers can be controlled in a broad range by appropriate mercerization parameters such as alkali concentration, fiber shrinkage, and tensile stress applied to the fibers during the alkaline treatments.