Hemp is a natural cellulosic fibre. The hemp fibre grows from the hemp plant and it has a yellowish-brown colour.
Hemp grows effortlessly in many parts of the world, and it can produce six times more than flax in the same land. The hemp plant consists of roughly 20 to 30% fibre. The hemp fibre is composed of 78% cellulose.
In 1992, hemp was producing 2% of the world’s industrial fibre. Nowadays, hemp is not as common, as it needs to have government approval for it to be cultivated and commercial production is not authorised in many countries.
Hemp fibres are normally very long, but they can vary in length between 1 and 4 metres. Once hemp has reached maturity for fibre production it is then cut off at ground level and left to dry.
Hemp …show more content…
It can be creamy white, brown, grey, green or almost black.
There is no requirement of use of pesticides in order to produce hemp fibre, this makes hemp fibres environmentally friendly.
IDENTIFICATION
In the cross-sectional view, hemp is characterised by a bundle of polygonal cell with a small lumen and thick walls. Longitudinal forms are straight and have dislocations at points along the length.
In burn tests, hemp burns quickly with a bright flame. It has a wood or leave scent, as well as, it has a grey ash.
PROPERTIES
1. Absorption: Hemp can absorb up to 20% of its weight while still being dry. This makes hemp a fibre of superior absorbency. It also means that hemp is very breathable and quick drying. The absorbency of hemp makes it a very easy fibre to dye, as it retains colour effortlessly.
2. Durability: Hemp is the strongest and most durable natural fabrics. Products made from hemp will outlast their competitors by many years.
3. Elasticity: Very inelastic, a tendency to brittle.
4. Strength: Hemp is strong to very strong fibre. It holds its shape, stretching less than any other natural