Grant: CCI Applied Research and Development Grants

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer composite (NFRPC) materials have attracted significant attention due to their eco-friendly nature, cost-effectiveness, lightweight properties, life-cycle superiority, biodegradability, and excellent mechanical properties. While natural fibers often replace other mineral components in composites, they still pose several challenges. Among natural fibers, hemp is favoured for its short growth cycle and high tensile strength, making it one of the strongest base fibers. Additionally, hemp can be grown in various environments and combined with other thermoplastics to produce composites comparable to glass fiber composites. However, further research is required to utilize industrial hemp fiber residues in advanced manufacturing focusing on various industrial applications. Developing knowledge and technology to enable the commercialization of industrial hemp products will support their application in Canada and beyond. In Canada, specifically, there is a surplus of hemp stalk residues that cannot be returned to the soil, thus highlighting the urgent need for research and development to find alternative uses for these residues. Tangho Green Canada Inc. (Tangho) specializes in engineering applications powered by hemp, focusing on sustainable hemp-based products for bio-based plastics, and is currently at the forefront of this research. In collaboration with Lambton College, Tangho will develop a viable solution for using hemp fiber residues that ensures a truly circular economy and opens new opportunities for the recycled plastic composite market. The research will focus on developing Tangho's technology by optimizing the extruder process to produce the bioplastic compound, analyzing thermal and chemical properties, evaluating the surface engineering of the recycled compound, and developing new applications for bioplastic material. The successful utilization of hemp stalk residues is not only crucial for the further success of industrial hemp in Canada but also holds significant potential for the local economy. As the legalization of industrial hemp is still under development in the USA, rapid technology development in Canada will support Canadian companies in taking a leadership role. The technology created from this research will enable Tangho to manufacture and commercialize industrial hemp products that meet all quality specifications, creating five new full-time positions and increased revenue.