Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 293-303 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 293 Feature Review Open Access The Physicochemical Properties of Hemp Fibers and Their Applications in the Textile Industry ShiyingYu Institute of Life Science, Jiyang College of Zhejiang A&F University, Zhuji, 311800, China Corresponding email: shiying.yu@jicat.org Bioscience Evidence, 2024, Vol.14, No.6 doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0030 Received: 09 Oct., 2024 Accepted: 11 Dec., 2024 Published: 27 Dec., 2024 Copyright © 2024 Yu, This is an open access article published under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited. Preferred citation for this article: Yu S.Y., 2024, The physicochemical properties of hemp fibers and their applications in the textile industry, Bioscience Evidence, 14(6): 293-303 (doi: 10.5376/be.2024.14.0030) Abstract This study explores the physicochemical properties of hemp fibers and their potential applications in the textile industry, including the effects of various chemical and physical treatments on the quality and performance of hemp fibers. The research found that after chemical treatments with sodium hydroxide and potassium permanganate, the fineness, flexibility, and tensile strength of hemp fibers were significantly improved. The combination of microwave energy and deep eutectic solvent treatments effectively removed non-cellulosic substances, increased cellulose content, and improved thermal stability. Processing hemp fibers using industrial flax equipment demonstrated high processing efficiency, with fiber quality comparable to flax. Economic analysis suggests that hemp fibers could become a more sustainable and cost-effective alternative to cotton in the textile industry. The results indicate that with appropriate chemical and physical treatments, hemp fibers can meet the quality standards required for high-performance textile applications. This study highlights the potential of hemp as a sustainable and economically viable alternative to traditional textile fibers, such as cotton and flax, promoting the use of green biomaterials in the textile industry. Keywords Hemp fibers; Textile industry; Chemical modification; Sustainability; Fiber quality; Economic viability 1 Introduction Natural fibers have been integral to the textile industry for centuries, offering a sustainable alternative to synthetic fibers. The growing environmental concerns associated with synthetic fibers, such as pollution and non-biodegradability, have led to an increased interest in natural fibers. These fibers, including cotton, flax, and hemp, are biodegradable and have a lower environmental impact compared to their synthetic counterparts (Gedik and Avinc, 2020; Schumacher et al., 2020; Malabadi et al., 2023). The textile industry, one of the highest polluting industries globally, is now exploring environmentally friendly textiles to mitigate its ecological footprint (Schumacher et al., 2020). Natural fibers are not only sustainable but also offer unique properties such as comfort, breathability, and biodegradability, making them increasingly important in the move towards sustainable production (Kocić et al., 2019; Gedik and Avinc, 2020). Hemp, historically used for various applications including textiles, has seen a resurgence in recent years due to its environmental benefits and favorable properties. The cultivation of industrial hemp was recently approved in the United States through the 2018 Farm Bill, which has spurred renewed interest in its use (Schumacher et al., 2020). Hemp fibers are known for their strength, durability, and antibacterial properties, making them a valuable raw material for the textile industry (Musio et al., 2018; Malabadi et al., 2023). Unlike cotton, hemp requires fewer pesticides and less water, contributing to its lower environmental impact. The legal developments in hemp cultivation have further facilitated its re-emergence as a key textile material, offering a sustainable alternative to traditional fibers (Schumacher et al., 2020; Malabadi et al., 2023). This study aims to explore the physicochemical properties of hemp fibers and their applications in the textile industry. By examining the sustainable production processes of hemp, fiber characteristics, and potential uses, the research seeks to highlight the advantages of integrating hemp into textile manufacturing. The study will cover the historical background of hemp usage, recent advancements in cultivation and processing, as well as the economic and environmental benefits of hemp fibers. It will also discuss the challenges and opportunities faced in adopting hemp in the textile industry, providing a comprehensive overview of its potential as a sustainable textile material.
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