Hemp fabrics for natural fibres composites industrial applications

Byline: C. Scarponi, D. Maglione, G. Cosentino, F. Lenzi Aim of the present study is to evaluate the mechanical properties of hemp woven fabrics from Italian textile industry, to be utilised as reinforcement both for polypropylene and for epoxy matrix. Chemical treatments have been performed to improve interface adhesion: de-waxing, NaOH solution plus silane as a coupling agent (3-aminopropyl-trimethoxy silane), and an original methodology, consisting on a combination of two agents (3-trimethoxysilyl-propyl-methacrylate silane and peroxide of Methylethilketone). Good mechanical properties were found using untreated hemp woven, and chemical treatments led to small improvements: the obstacle to great benefits is the fibres pre-treatment, performed by textile producer.