Hemp Growth and Fibre Processing Possibilities in Latvia

Abstract

Use of hemp fibre is rapidly increasing in Europe. This tendency is related to carbon and glass fibre substitution with recycled and biodegradable raw materials for use in car production. Scientists and manufacturers work to obtain new composite materials where hemp fibre will be as reinforcement. Hemp fibres are light and with high tensile strength comparing with other technical fibres. Advantage – eco–friendly utilization possibilities. The research work to determine hemp fibre efficiency was carried out for two years at the Latgale Agricultural Research Centre. In this work different hemp fibre varieties were used. To determine the most suitable varieties for Latvian climatic conditions all the varieties were tested at the laboratories of Riga Technical University, Institute of Textile Material Technologies and Design. We are looking for new possibilities to make technical textile samples from different hemp fibre varieties. In cooperation with Laboratories of the Scientific Institute of Food Safety, Animal Health and Environment “BIOR” the amount of tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) in different variety cannabis plants were determined. It was concluded that amount of THC of different open–air cultivation varieties grown in Latvia is different but anyway this amount is much below the acceptable norm.

Influence of pectinase enzyme Beisol PRO on hemp fibres retting

“…Today hemp is a niche crop, cultivated on 10 000 to 15 000 ha in the European Union (EU) [1]. The rapid increase of hemp fibre use in EU is connected with demands on carbon and glass fibres substitution by eco-friendly, biodegradable materials for car production [2]. In 2012, 350 000 t of wood and natural fibre composites were produced in EU [3].…”

“…However, hemp fibre production resumed after nearly a century long break, therefore the farmers do not have enough information and experience. At the same time, we should think about hemp fibre producing possibilities in Latvia to obtain product with higher added value [2].…”

Efficacy of Aspergillus fumigatus R6 Pectinase in Enzymatic Retting of Kenaf

“…Kenaf is being cultivated for use as animal feed, cordages, and paper products (Dempsey 1975;Warnock et al 2002). Natural fibres are emerging as a substitute for carbon and glass fibres in the automobile industry and in building materials, as well as in orthopaedic medicine and the prosthetic industry (Fowler et al 2006;Baltina et al 2012;Me et al 2012). Kenaf fibre is sustainable and environmentally safe because it is biodegradable and renewable.…”