Cannabis Plastic

Both cellophane and viscose are made from cellulose; therefore, hemp can be actively used in the production process as the main raw material for the manufacture of cellophane foil or viscose fiber.

Since plastic was invented at the beginning of the 19th century, the world has become dependent on this versatile material. Unfortunately, after use, it too often enters the environment, where it causes enormous damage to wildlife. The time has come for alternative solutions and hemp will help. Hemp plastic is a universal solution for the safety of nature. 

Plastic is a curse and a blessing for humanity. On the one hand, it is an ideal and versatile material that is widely used and quite affordable. On the other hand, thanks to the plastics in the world, there is now a serious environmental crisis, including a huge amount of plastic in the oceans already reaching the size of France. According to Greenpeace, more than 200 kg of plastic per second is dumped into the oceans of the world, which is more than 8 million tons of plastic waste per year.

The problem of eliminating pollution from plastic products is becoming obvious, and in order to survive, people must contribute to the cause of innovation, a change in mentality and respect for the environment. A good solution to “plastic pollution” can be hemp bioplastics, which many types of plastic are planning to replace. 

But what is hemp plastic, what types of products exist from this material, and how is it actually made?

Cellulose is the most abundant organic polymer on earth. Although cellulose is mainly used for the production of paper, it is also used to produce a wide range of different types of plastics, including celluloid, cellophane and viscose.

The first types of plastics were made from organic and non-synthetic materials, and cellulose was then an important element in the growing plastics industry. Currently, bioplastics are again in the spotlight due to their environmental benefits.

Both cellophane and viscose are made from cellulose, therefore, in the production process, hemp can be actively used as the main raw material for the manufacture of cellophane foil or viscose fiber. 

Once hemp cellulose has been extracted from plant fibers, it can be used to make cellophane, viscose, celluloid and various related types of plastic. It is known that hemp contains about 65-70% of cellulose and is considered to be an excellent source of it, mainly because of the relative strength and low environmental impact of hemp pulp. For comparison, wood contains about 40% cellulose, flax 65-75%, and cotton up to 90%.

Cellulose can be used to make many types of plastics and related materials. The difference in physical properties is largely due to the length of the polymer chains and the degree of crystallization.

Cellulose is extracted in various ways from hemp and other fiber crops. Crude cellulose can be hydrolyzed with water at a temperature of 50-90 ° C to separate the components. An additional thermal effect can be exerted on this raw material, creating a variant of the material known as nanocellulose. This is a “pseudo-plastic”, which under normal conditions resembles a viscous gel and becomes more liquid when shaken or loaded.

Nanocellulose or microfibrillated cellulose (MFC) has a wide range of potential applications. It can be used as a reinforcing material or as a strong absorbent to remove spilled oil or oil stains. In addition, hemp nanocellulose can be used for the manufacture of sanitary products and as a low-calorie stabilizer in food technology.

Some European companies have already incorporated organic components, including hemp, into the plastic manufacturing process. For example, due to the unique manufacturing technology and natural properties, hemp cellulose fibers turn into a malleable material with high industrial strength, which makes it possible to use it for a wide variety of products. This material is touted as 100% non-toxic, biodegradable and recyclable, as it can be composted and offers a very interesting form of carbon capture. 

Today it is important to introduce bioplastics based on plant fibers. Biocomposites usually have at least one important component of biological origin. Although 100% organic plastics exist, most of them contain some synthetic elements. Natural fiber is usually mixed with a synthetic polymer and then labeled as a biocomposite. There are various combinations of natural fibers and polymers that can be used to produce bioplastics, which vary greatly in density, tensile strength, hardness and other aspects. These factors can be changed during the manufacturing process to create products suitable for a wide range of applications. This applies to the production of building materials, furniture, musical instruments, boats, automobile panels, biodegradable household goods, and in medicine - biocompatible "support structures" used for bone tissue reconstruction, etc. 

A study in 2003 of composite materials made of polypropylene reinforced with natural fibers showed that the tensile strength of hemp, kenaf and sisal is comparable to that of traditional fiberglass composites, and that hemp has better impact resistance than its competitors. Other studies conducted in the same year on the strength and rupture of hemp fibers showed that if they are alkalinized with dilute sodium hydroxide (NaOH) in concentrations of 4-6%, they exhibit higher tensile strength and hardness, especially if used in production biocomposite plastics.

In 2007, another study of hemp fiber reinforced polypropylene composites, in this case using a material known as maleic acid grafted polypropylene (MAPP), showed that the total load and mechanical properties increased by 80% compared to traditional fiberglass composites. In the same year, a group of Korean researchers announced that they created a biocomposite based on organic polylactic acid (PLA, an important biodegradable thermoplastic polyester) reinforced with hemp fibers. They also found that treating hemp fibers with diluted alkali increases their tensile strength. Biocomposite materials were stronger and harder than plastics containing only PLA.

In 2009, a group of researchers from Stanford University announced that hemp fiber reinforced biopolyhydroxybutyrate (BHP) composite was developed. This material from hemp is strong enough, soft and attractive as a material for use in construction, furniture manufacturing and as a filler for biocomposites.

In a study in 2014, completely biodegradable composite materials were developed using fibers, during which it was found that both the strength and toughness are affected by the type and amount of filler used. Hemp fibers turned out to be in a better position.

Naturally, there is still a lot of research before the most optimal technologies for the production of biocomposite materials are implemented. However, new research is expanding as more people in economically developed nations realize the need for a radical reduction in the use of goods made from fossil-based materials. In this aspect, hemp is increasingly recognized as a potentially more profitable material for the manufacture of bioplastics, as it has unique and versatile properties and characteristics.

Commentary by the Ukrainian Technical Hemp Association

Trends in the global market for biocomposite materials made on the basis of hemp plant, as well as the achievements of national companies specializing in this field of activity, were demonstrated at the round table “Hemp raw materials - technologies for its use in construction, production of biocomposite materials and furniture”, which was held as part of “Hemp University. " The next training for students of the “Hemp University” will be held in April 2020 on the basis of the National University of Life and Environmental Sciences of Ukraine.