New biocomposites based on hemp hurds

The development in the field of building materials tending to biocomposites made from natural resources is increasing worldwide. Natural fibre-reinforced composites are attractive due to their environmental and economic advantages. Natural fibres such as kenaf, jute, hemp and sisal are combined with inorganic matrix (based on conventional and/or non conventional material) in biocomposites for their application in building industry. A great importance in Europe has technical hemp as sustainable and fast renewable resource of lignocellulosic fibres with high specific strength, which can be utilized as filler/reinforcement material in composites.

This paper presents the results obtained from an experimental study of the mechanical and physical properties of biocomposites prepared with Portland cement as a binder and chemically treated and untreated hemp hurds as a filling agent.

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