Extraction of High-Quality Fibre for Textiles and Composites from Sustainably-Grown Hemp
Hemp is an attractive UK sustainable fibre due to the crop yield and its ability to be cultivated in temperate climates. The project, which involves collaboration with The School of Plant Sciences at The University of Leeds funded by DTI examines the anatomy of hemp stems using state-of-the-art immunoassay techniques. Polysaccharides that are identified are targeted with specific enzymes and auxiliary chemicals to remove the binding polysaccharides to separate the fibre bundles. The resultant fibres can then be spun on a short staple set up to assemble yarns for fabric formation.
Staff Contact: Dr Richard Blackburn