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FAIR-CT95-0396
Hemp for Europe - manufacturing and production systems
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Contacts
Further Information
To find similar Items, click on a keyword below:
Biocomposites/Boards
:
Crops for Biocomposites/Boards
:
Crops for Paper/Pulp
:
FAIR Area 4.3 - Diversification
:
Fibre
:
Paper/Pulp
:
Plant Genetics
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Process Engineering
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Type of Project |
Shared Cost |
| Contract No |
FAIR-CT95-0396 |
| Total Cost |
2,054,000 ECU |
| EC Contribution |
1,400,000 ECU |
| Start Date |
01/02/96 |
| Duration |
36 Months |
Hemp for Europe: manufacturing and production systems
Objectives
The main objectives are to
- overcome the major limitations to the development of the hemp crop in the EU by the development of improved cultivars with almost zero THC
- develop crop management systems
- develop harvesting and fibre extraction technology
- characterise optimum fibre quality for specific end uses
- develop innovative new products
Technical Approach
To meet the project objectives and deliverables a co-ordinated programme of work has been
designed and is being effected by ten partners in five countries. The work programme consists of:
- Production of cultivars with almost zero THC levels and improved fibre production and pest
resistance characteristics. Investigate linkage between visible phenotypic characteristics and THC
content.
- Development from crop physiology studies and crop modelling cost effective crop management
systems for the main climatic areas for Europe, and field evaluation.
- Improve current harvesting systems by study of crop management and development of improved
harvesting machinery.
- Adapt new novel technology for the improved extraction of hemp bast fibres.
- Characterise, in relation to end-product use, the effect of production and extraction techniques on
fibre quality.
- Develop innovative new materials and products and initiate commercial production.
Results To Date
- Genotypes containing nematode resistance, 'solder leaf' visual character and improved fibre
production and low THC content.
- A dataset describing crop response to cultivar maturity, plant density and nitrogen, chemical
composition and climatic parameters for three locations
- Improved crop growing plan
- Samples of stem fibre and shiv produced under defined growing parameters
- Initial modifications required to process hemp through the SRI laboratory decorticator and samples
of decorticated fibre.
- Detail physical and chemical description of the effect of location and management on fibre
quality
- Chipboards and MDF boards containing hemp stem and shiv and detailed description of product
properties
- STEX, ultrasonic and chemical treated fibre samples and characterisation
- Samples of wet and dried laid non-wovens
- Biodegradable and thermoplastic composites and geotextiles made from wet and dried laid
non-woven materials, a developing suite of performance characteristics.
Hemp
Development of hemp harvesting technology
Contacts
Coordinator
EC Scientific Officer
Participant
