Novel lyocell fibre from Alberta-grown hemp

Abstract

Lyocell is a man-made, regenerated cellulosic fibre developed through cellulose dissolution in non-derivative solvents. Hemp offers a preferential source of cellulose for lyocell production as it is considered an environmentally friendly agricultural crop, requiring less water, fertilizers, pesticides, and herbicides than other crops and sequesters carbon dioxide (CO2) from the atmosphere. There are currently no Canadian sources of domestically manufactured lyocell filament or staple fibres. Our goal is to manufacture 100% lyocell fibre and to demonstrate techniques for pulping and solution-spinning hemp-based lyocell fibre. Utilizing both the bast and hurd of the hemp plant allows for the creation of many different fibre densities with varying properties while contributing to whole plant utilization and Canadian industry creation and expansion.