Hemp Fibers in Construction

The construction industry has seen numerous changes in the recent years, and more change is expected as more people look for sustainable, affordable, durable, and reliable construction materials. Research has revealed that treated hemp fiber-reinforced concrete (THFRC) provides low-cost building materials for residential and low-rise buildings. Hemp fiber has helped construction companies achieve sustainable construction which is an essential environmental need.  According to the latest government regulations, i.e. the concerted action energy performance of buildings, 2010; all new buildings should have an emission footprint of close to zero and actively contribute towards the nation’s decarbonization goal of 80% by 2050.

Ecological thermal insulation materials are believed to be a huge market for hemp fibers. Hemp fibers are used to make thermal insulation because they are perfectly suited for this function. The microstructure of hemp i.e. the plant is multicellular and it contains single fibers in the middle which are made up of phloem or parenchyma cells. These fibers are used to strengthen cement in many construction applications. The bast fibers are cured with lime to create “hempcrete” which can be used in various ways during construction. The fibrous parts of the hemp plant are cut into inch-long pieces then combined with lime (two parts lime binder and one part hemp), and then some water is added to create hempcrete , a construction material that has numerous benefits, i.e.

1. It is cost-effective because using hempcrete in construction requires as little as hempcrete and timber compared to conventional construction which requires timber, sheathing boards, insulation materials, plastic membranes, external cladding, and a plasterboard interior lining.
2. It has high tensile strength and stiffness which means that it can be used in roofs, walls, and floors because it gains more strength as time goes by.
3. Ideally suited for needle-punched non-woven products as it seamlessly creates an airtight layer and it can also be plastered or sprayed.
4. It is hygroscopic, meaning that it absorbs moisture and humidity within the building and releases the moisture when the temperature allows it. This is because of the porous structure of the plant that allows it to absorb moisture in the hemp fiber and plays a huge role in reducing molding time. Combined with the antimicrobial and antifungal properties of lime, the surface of hempcrete resists molds unlike most insulation materials.
5. As it dries up, the finished product is lighter compared to other materials, but it is also strong and stiff.
6. It is easy to process and recycle.
7. It can be customized to meet a variety of specifications and different manufacturing systems.
8. Consistent quality and availability of supply is possible locally and internationally.
9. Hempcrete is made from by-products of other processes