Investigation of Observed Changes in Treated Hemp Hurds

Abstract

The effort to achieve sustainable development using renewable materials instead of limited ones is the current trend in the construction industry. Need for the development of environmentally friendly products is related to industrial interest in using natural plant fibres as reinforcement in composites. The combination of organic filler and inorganic matrix creates high-quality products such as fibre boards and composites. Industrial hemp fibres are one of the mostly used natural fibres and due to their unique mechanical, thermal insulation, acoustic and antiseptic properties have a great potential in composite materials. However, improving the interfacial bond between fibre and matrix is an important factor in fibre-reinforced composites. Optimizing the adhesion between fibre and inorganic matrix is related to surface treatment processes. This paper deals with morphology characterization, study changes in the chemical composition and structure of hemp fibres using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) before and after physico-chemical treatment.