Application of Natural (Plant) Fibers Particularly Hemp Fiber as Reinforcement in Hybrid Polymer Composites - Part III. Investigations of Physical and Mechanical Properties of Composites Reinforced with Hemp Fibers

Abstract

The article is the third part of a multi-directional analysis of the possibilities, advisability and validity of using natural plant fibers (NPFs) as a reinforcement for polymer structural composites that can be used in the shipbuilding industry in Poland. As a result of the analysis of macroeconomic indicators and natural and non-natural factors regarding NPFs, a representative selection of hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) was made as the raw material to be used to reinforce these composites. Methods and test results are presented enabling comparison of the physical and mechanical properties of the new pro-ecological construction material–hemp fiber reinforced polymer (HFRP), reinforced with fabric made of unmodified and chemically modified hemp fibers.

Keywords

• Polymer construction composites
• natural (plant) fibers
• Hemp/Industrial hemp (cannabis sativa L.)
• surface modification
• hemp fiber reinforced polymer
• applicants