Hemp Fiber Reinforced Composite with Recycled High Density Polyethylene and Production Thereof

Abstract

Novel structural materials composed of industrial hemp fiber with recycled high density polyethylene (HDPE) as well as methods for the production of the same are disclosed. The material's mechanical strength outperforms that of conventional lumber and could compete with glass fiber reinforced composites, particularly in tensile strength. In addition, this material offers many other significant advantages including insect free, high moisture resistance, no harmful chemical treatments, and no rapid corrosion in water environments.

1 . A composite material, comprising:
 natural fibers consisting of hemp fibers, wherein the natural fibers are embedded in a matrix of high density polyethylene, and wherein composite material has a high tensile strength of greater than 60 MPa.   
     
     
         2 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the high density polyethylene is recycled high density polyethylene. 
     
     
         3 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the hemp fibers have an aspect ratio from about 0.0015 to about 0.003. 
     
     
         4 . The composite material of  claim 3 , wherein the hemp fibers have an average length of about 0.5 inches to 2 inches. 
     
     
         5 . The composite material of  claim 1 , wherein the composite material has a high density polyethylene composition between 30 wt. % and 60 wt. % of hemp fiber. 
     
     
         6 . The composite material of  claim 2 , wherein the hemp fibers were chemically treated with an alkalization process. 
     
     
         7 . The composite material of  claim 2 , wherein the hemp fibers have the properties of hemp fibers that were chemically treated with an alkalization process. 
     
     
         8 . The composite material of  claim 2 , wherein the hemp fibers have a fiber orientation are arranged predominantly in a length direction with approximately a 20% cross directional orientation.