Bioscience Evidence 2024, Vol.14, No.6, 293-303 http://bioscipublisher.com/index.php/be 295 3.2 Thermal properties: thermal conductivity and stability Hemp fibers also possess favorable thermal properties, which are essential for applications requiring thermal insulation. The thermal conductivity of hemp fiber composites increases linearly with density, providing good insulating properties compared to traditional materials like glass wool (Sair et al., 2018) (Figure 1). Thermal stability is another critical aspect, with studies indicating that hybrid composites of hemp and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) exhibit improved thermal stability due to the presence of PET fibers (Ahmad et al., 2018). Moreover, cryogenic treatment of hemp fibers has been shown to enhance thermal stability by increasing cellulose exposure in the primary cell wall (Thomas et al., 2023). 3.3 Moisture absorption and retention capabilities Moisture absorption and retention are significant factors affecting the performance of hemp fibers in various applications. Hemp fibers have a high cellulose content, leading to increased moisture uptake, which follows Fickian behavior at room temperature (Dhakal et al., 2007; 2018). The moisture sorption properties can be modified through chemical treatments. For instance, oxidized hemp fibers exhibit reduced moisture sorption and water retention capacity, making them suitable for advanced applications like sportswear (Milanovic et al., 2021). Additionally, the incorporation of compatibilizing agents in hemp fiber composites can mitigate the effects of moisture absorption (Dolza et al., 2022). 3.4 Biodegradability and environmental sustainability Hemp fibers are highly regarded for their biodegradability and environmental sustainability. They offer an eco-friendly alternative to conventional, petroleum-based composites. Biocomposites made from hemp fibers and biodegradable polymers, such as polycaprolactone (PCL) and poly(butylene succinate-co-adipate) (PBSA), demonstrate enhanced mechanical properties while maintaining environmental efficiency (Dhakal et al., 2018; Dolza et al., 2022). The biodegradability of hemp fibers, combined with their ability to be processed into sustainable materials, underscores their potential for reducing environmental impact in various industries. Figure 1 Scanning electron micrographs for hemp fibers (D), hemp fibers covered by the PU matrix (A), Polyurethane matrix (B) and composite at 30% in fiber content (Adopted from Sair et al., 2018)
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