ArticlePDF Available

Hemp is the Future of Plastics

Authors:

Abstract and Figures

Plastic is the world's most adaptable material. From bikes to food wraps and from jets to pencils, you can make anything and everything from plastics. With the infinite number of uses, plastic also have some devastating impacts on our planet. Most plastics produced today are made using petroleum-based compounds that release harmful gases into the atmosphere. Waste solutions are inefficient, and harmful by-products toxic our land, water and wildlife. Yet, consider the possibility that there was a way to deal with deliver the greater part of what we utilize causes a negative greenhouse impact, is sustainable and biodegradable and has just about an indistinguishable cost to our present techniques. Meet Hemp plastic, an only plastic that's 100% biodegradable in nature if produce by using only Hemp plant. Hemp plant consumes 4 times more carbon dioxide then other plants from atmosphere. The fiber we can produce from hemp is stronger than the conventional fiber we are using these days. This paper is intended to show numerous benefits of using hemp for the manufacturing of biodegradable plastic (HEMP PLASTIC) rather than conventional plastics.
Content may be subject to copyright.
E3S Web of Conferences 51, 03002 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3scconf/20185103002
ICACER 2018
© The Authors, published by EDP Sciences. This is an open access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution
License 4.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/).
*Corresponding author: tanzila@szabist.eu.pk
Hemp is the Future of Plastics
Ali Asghar Modi1, Rehmatullah Shahid1, Muhammad Usman Saeed1, Tanzila Younas2*
1Student, Szabist, Karachi and 75600, Pakistan
2Assistant Professor, Szabist, Karachi and 75600, Pakistan
Abstract. Plastic is the world’s most adaptable material. From bikes to food wraps and from jets to pencils,
you can make anything and everything from plastics. With the infinite number of uses, plastic also have some
devastating impacts on our planet. Most plastics produced today are made using petroleum-based compounds
that release harmful gases into the atmosphere. Waste solutions are inefficient, and harmful by-products toxic
our land, water and wildlife. Yet, consider the possibility that there was a way to deal with deliver the greater
part of what we utilize causes a negative greenhouse impact, is sustainable and biodegradable and has just
about an indistinguishable cost to our present techniques. Meet Hemp plastic, an only plastic that’s 100%
biodegradable in nature if produce by using only Hemp plant. Hemp plant consumes 4 times more carbon
dioxide then other plants from atmosphere. The fiber we can produce from hemp is stronger than the
conventional fiber we are using these days. This paper is intended to show numerous benefits of using hemp
for the manufacturing of biodegradable plastic (HEMP PLASTIC) rather than conventional plastics.
1 Introduction
Today plastic is one of the most used materials in the
world but its voyage through time was not easy. Plastics
are simply the carbon chained polymers and the shape of
these polymers’ gives plastics their plasticity, allowing
them to be molded into any shape which is why they are
the world’s most adaptable material. The word plastic is
a typical term that is utilized for some materials of a
manufactured or semi-engineered nature. The term was
gotten from the Greek plastikos, which signifies "fit for
enlargement."[1] Another reason of the vast use of
plastics is its manufacturing cost which is quite cheap
when compared to the manufacturing of same stuff with
different materials.
Since each photo has two sights, similarly plastics
have some devastating effects on Earth, directly as well
as indirectly. Majority of the plastics is being produced
by using petroleum based compounds which releases
harmful gases during synthesizing, contaminating the
Earth’s atmosphere.
Not only the manufacturing of plastics, but also its
endurance towards the degradation is also a major
drawback. Every piece of plastic that was ever produced
and was not recycled still exists except biodegradable
plastics, which are degradable to some extent. [2]
Therefore, to reduce the increasing environmental
pollution from synthetic plastic an alternative must be
developed. This need can be fulfilled by use of hemp
plastic, which is 100% biodegradable if produced using
only Hemp plant.
Figure 1. Increase in the fields of Hemp plant [3].
2 Types of Plastics
In order to understand the different types of plastics, one
needs to understand its composition and categorizing
criteria. Plastic is any synthetic or semi-synthetic organic
polymer. While plastics might be produced using pretty
much any natural polymer, most mechanical plastic is
produced using petrochemicals. The expression "plastic"
refers to the property of flexibility, which is the capacity
to disfigure without breaking. The polymer used to make
a plastic is quite often blended with added substances,
including colorants, plasticizers, stabilizers, fillers, and
fortifications. These added substances influence the
concoction structure, synthetic properties, and
mechanical properties of a plastic and furthermore
influence its cost. The composition and the
manufacturing of plastic categorize plastics mainly in
Biodegradable plastics and Non-biodegradable plastics.
2
E3S Web of Conferences 51, 03002 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3scconf/20185103002
ICACER 2018
As the name suggest, biodegradable plastics are
produced using petro-chemicals just like conventional
plastics except some additives are included in their
manufacturing which helps them in there fast
degradation. Biodegradable plastics don't always break
down into harmless substances, sometimes they leave
behind a toxic residue and that makes them generally
(but not always) unsuitable for composting. They can be
breakdown using microorganisms into water, carbon
dioxide and some bio chemical. And when they are put
into the landfills they produce harmful greenhouse gases
when breaking down, which makes them more toxic then
other conventional plastics. Some examples of
biodegradable plastics are polybutyrate (PBAT),
polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA) and
polyhydroxalkanoate (PHA).
Figure 2. Examples of biodegradable plastics and
bio-plastics[4].
Figure 3. Basic comparison of bio-plastic and conventional
plastic [6].
Conventional plastics or non-biodegradable plastics are
mostly chemically inert i.e. resistant to degradation,
consequently ends up disrupting the wildlife, oceans and
land. [5] And one of the most destructive impact of
conventional plastic is that it is produced by the non-
renewable source i.e. Petroleum.
These impacts are fueling the international drives for
the production of biodegradable polymers.
3 Uses of Plastics
The flexibility of plastic materials originates from the
capacity to mold, laminate or shape them, and to modify
them physically and synthetically. Once anything made
of plastic was considered to be of low quality but now
that is history. Now days from the zip of your pants to
the bikes you are riding are made up of plastics. Even the
food industry uses an enormous amount of plastic.
Yoghurt and butter comes in plastic tubs, Cheese in
plastic wrap, water and milk in plastic containers. It is
even use in construction industry in great amount. They
have great versatility and combine excellent strength to
weight ratio, durability, cost effectiveness, low
maintenance and corrosion resistance, which make
plastics an economically attractive choice throughout the
construction sector. Its versatility is the reason that a
Plastic is suitable for any situation. The following
paragraphs will brief about the usage of plastic across the
globe.
Figure 4.Uses of Plastic in different type of industries [7].
3.1. In Food Packaging
From airtight wraps to shelf stable bottles and vessels,
plastic packaging plays a key role in keeping the food
safe while supplying it from farm to the consumer and is
a best used material for freezing foods for longer term
storage. [8] Plastics are versatile, hygienic, lightweight,
flexible and highly durable. Due to such qualities,
plastic is used in numerous packaging applications.
Figure 5. Use of plastic in food packaging.
3.2. In Construction
Plastics are used in a growing range of applications in
the construction industry. It’s durability is one of the
reason why it is used so frequently in construction as
being corrosion resistant, allowing it to survive in any
3
E3S Web of Conferences 51, 03002 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3scconf/20185103002
ICACER 2018
As the name suggest, biodegradable plastics are
produced using petro-chemicals just like conventional
plastics except some additives are included in their
manufacturing which helps them in there fast
degradation. Biodegradable plastics don't always break
down into harmless substances, sometimes they leave
behind a toxic residue and that makes them generally
(but not always) unsuitable for composting. They can be
breakdown using microorganisms into water, carbon
dioxide and some bio chemical. And when they are put
into the landfills they produce harmful greenhouse gases
when breaking down, which makes them more toxic then
other conventional plastics. Some examples of
biodegradable plastics are polybutyrate (PBAT),
polycaprolactone (PCL), polylactic acid (PLA) and
polyhydroxalkanoate (PHA).
Figure 2. Examples of biodegradable plastics and
bio-plastics[4].
Figure 3. Basic comparison of bio-plastic and conventional
plastic [6].
Conventional plastics or non-biodegradable plastics are
mostly chemically inert i.e. resistant to degradation,
consequently ends up disrupting the wildlife, oceans and
land. [5] And one of the most destructive impact of
conventional plastic is that it is produced by the non-
renewable source i.e. Petroleum.
These impacts are fueling the international drives for
the production of biodegradable polymers.
3 Uses of Plastics
The flexibility of plastic materials originates from the
capacity to mold, laminate or shape them, and to modify
them physically and synthetically. Once anything made
of plastic was considered to be of low quality but now
that is history. Now days from the zip of your pants to
the bikes you are riding are made up of plastics. Even the
food industry uses an enormous amount of plastic.
Yoghurt and butter comes in plastic tubs, Cheese in
plastic wrap, water and milk in plastic containers. It is
even use in construction industry in great amount. They
have great versatility and combine excellent strength to
weight ratio, durability, cost effectiveness, low
maintenance and corrosion resistance, which make
plastics an economically attractive choice throughout the
construction sector. Its versatility is the reason that a
Plastic is suitable for any situation. The following
paragraphs will brief about the usage of plastic across the
globe.
Figure 4.Uses of Plastic in different type of industries [7].
3.1. In Food Packaging
From airtight wraps to shelf stable bottles and vessels,
plastic packaging plays a key role in keeping the food
safe while supplying it from farm to the consumer and is
a best used material for freezing foods for longer term
storage. [8] Plastics are versatile, hygienic, lightweight,
flexible and highly durable. Due to such qualities,
plastic is used in numerous packaging applications.
Figure 5. Use of plastic in food packaging.
3.2. In Construction
Plastics are used in a growing range of applications in
the construction industry. It’s durability is one of the
reason why it is used so frequently in construction as
being corrosion resistant, allowing it to survive in any
weather.[9] These days, cost is an important factor in
industries and Plastics are one of the most economical
material. And an amazing property of plastic .i.e.
recycling beat metals in most of the places in industries.
3.3. In Transport
The financially savvy and safe transportation of
individuals and merchandise is essential to our economy,
cutting the weight of cars, airplanes, boats and trains can
cut fuel consumption dramatically. The lightness of
plastics therefore makes them priceless to the transport
industry. Plastics are even used in combination with
other materials are used as structural elements in all
kinds of transport, even skateboards, roller blades and
bicycles. [10]
Figure 6. Use of plastic in construction.
4 Comparison of Hemp with
Conventional plastics
The main factors which requires the replacement of
conventional plastics by Hemp plastic includes its
toxicity, chemically inertness, manufacturing hazards
and the limited amount of natural resources. The
following paragraphs enlighten some details on the
comparison of conventional and hemp plastics and the
need to replace them.
4.1. Composition
The ENE compounds, Toluene, benzene, things like that,
which are the most poisonous derivatives of plastics that
are produced from hydrocarbons aren’t found in Hemp.
[11]
4.2. Manufacturing
Most of the conventional plastic today is manufactured
using petroleum based compounds and petroleum
consumption is considered harmful to the environment,
given the measure of waste created amid the refinement
procedure and the destructive techniques used to separate
oil from the earth. And simultaneously we are losing one
of most important natural resource i.e. Petroleum in the
manufacturing of plastics. On the other hand, hemp
plastic is solely produced using the cellulose extracted
from hemp plant and therefore causes no toxicity during
its production.
4.3. Biodegradable and Recyclable
Hemp plastic is 100% biodegradable and recyclable
when it is made using completely a Hemp plant. We
traditionally think of recycling as the conversion of
waste into usable material, although if we use more
hemp plastic, we could introduce a new cycle that would
be much more environmentally friendly. Plants are
harvested and broken down into vital components for
production and a product is produced. After its
utilization, it is put into a landfill where nature will run
its course and separate it into required supplements basic
for the plant's development and the cycle is finished. [12]
Figure 7. Cycle of hemp plastic.
4.4. Environment friendly
Hemp absorbs four times the amount of carbon dioxide
as trees do amid its snappy 12-14 week develop cycle.
Delivering hemp plastic likewise requires 22-45% less
energy than non-renewable energy source based items
[13]. We can have fields, acres and acres, hectares of
hemp farms that are pulling carbon dioxide out of the
atmosphere (as plants do). Then, that carbon from the
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere gets used to make the
plastics, and the plastics, when they are going into a
landfill and they are no longer usable, will biodegrade
bringing carbon back into the soil. So, it’s essentially
carbon negative, pulling carbon out of the atmosphere
and putting it back into the soil.
4.5. Applications
The strength of hemp plastic makes it appealing in
several industries. The automotive, building, and
packaging industries are all being turned on to hemp
plastic. It is also lightweight and has a very high ratio of
density to weight. This allows it to potentially be used in
aerospace to save weight on heavy structures. Due its
versatility, hemp can be used anywhere for any purpose
replacing conventional plastics.
4.6. Production cost
Plastics produced using petroleum compounds are quite
cheap and easy to manufacture and on the other hand, the
processes involve in the production of biodegradable
plastic or specifically hemp plastics are quite expensive
and use more effort than the production of conventional
plastics.
4
E3S Web of Conferences 51, 03002 (2018) https://doi.org/10.1051/e3scconf/20185103002
ICACER 2018
Figure 8. Applications of Hemp plant [14].
Figure 9. Energy required for the production of different type
of plastics.
4.7. Toughness and Flexibility
Hemp Plastics can be five times stiffer and 2.5 times
stronger than polypropylene, and it will not cause wear
and tear to the screw and the mold like glass fibers do,
and unlike glass fibers, it does not pose safety and health
risks. [14] Its flexibility is one of the greatest factors for
its superiority over conventional plastics.
5 Conclusion
With an ever increasing number of plastics being utilized
in human lives and expanding weight being set on limits
accessible for plastic wastes disposal, the need for
biodegradable plastics and biodegradation of plastic
wastes have gained increasing importance in the last few
years. Also the available sources of petroleum oil is
declining (which is the major source of conventional
plastics) adds up for the need of an alternative way of
creating plastics. In any case, countries all through the
world do understand that petrochemical utilization
should be lessened, and hemp is being perceived as a
reasonable contrasting option to these plastics. There are
number of different bio plastics are available but the best
one among them is Hemp. Many factors as discussed
above prove hemp to be better than other bio plastics
such as its lightweight, versatility, degradation time etc.
Though producing plastics using only hemp plants
causes more efforts and money but the impacts that
conventional and other bio plastics are causing to this
Earth are getting unbearable and therefore conventional
plastics should be completely replaced with hemp
plastics.
References
1. Precision Engineered Products [Online]. Available:
http://www.pepctplastics.com/resources/connecticut
-plastics-learning-center/an-introduction-to-plastics/
2. L.Concialdi, May 03,2016. [Online]. Available:
https://discovercbd.com/blogs/cbd-
news/105784134-benefits-of-hemp- plastic-over-
traditional-plastic
3. Hemp Today. March 27,2017. [Online]. Available:
https://hemptoday.net/european-hemp-fields-grow/
4. L.Y. Beeker, M. Pringle Joshua, M. Pearce.
International Journal of Molecular Sciences
(September, 2009)
5. A.M.Helmenstine, November 15, 2016. [Online].
Available: https://www.thoughtco.com/plastic-
chemical-composition-608930
6. October, 2012. [Online]. Available:
https://www.slideshare.net/ShwetaChand2/bioplastic
-66639489
7. Presto Testing Instruments. [Online]. Available:
http://www.testing-instruments.com/blog/problems-
faced-by-the-manufacturers-in-plastic-industry-and-
their-solutions/
8. America’s Plastic Makers. [Online]. Available:
https://www.plasticpackagingfacts.org/plastic-
packaging/plastic-packaging-by-industry/food-
beverage/
9. British Plastic Federation. 2018 [Online] Available:
http://www.bpf.co.uk/plastipedia/applications/defaul
t.aspx
10. T. Johnson. April 01, 2017. [Online] Available:
https://www.thoughtco.com/uses-of-plastics-820359
11. J.Hasse, May 05, 2017. [Online]. Available:
https://www.benzinga.com/markets/emerging-
markets/17/05/9405826/why-hemp-could-be-the-
future-of-plastics
12. National Hemp Association (NHA), May 17, 2016.
[Online]. Available:
http://nationalhempassociation.org/hemp-plastic/
13. C. Woodford, June 11, 2017 [Online]. Available:
http://www.explainthatstuff.com/bioplastics.html
14. M. Karus and G. Leson. International Hemp
Association. Vol. 4 (June 01, 1997)
... The disposal of plastic wastes in terrestrial and aquatic habitats along with the insufficient waste management constitute a significant environmental, financial, and social threat [1][2][3][4]. However, while plastic such as polyethylene brings us convenience, and also threatens environmental sustainability and human health [1][2][3][4][5][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. The negative impact of non-degradable composites on the environment has sparked a revolutionary transition to eco-materials and biocomposites [1][2][3][4][5][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52]. ...
... However, while plastic such as polyethylene brings us convenience, and also threatens environmental sustainability and human health [1][2][3][4][5][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. The negative impact of non-degradable composites on the environment has sparked a revolutionary transition to eco-materials and biocomposites [1][2][3][4][5][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52]. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most produced biodegradable plastic [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. ...
... The negative impact of non-degradable composites on the environment has sparked a revolutionary transition to eco-materials and biocomposites [1][2][3][4][5][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50][51][52]. Polylactic acid (PLA) is the most produced biodegradable plastic [1][2][3][4][5][6][7][43][44][45][46][47][48][49][50]. Due to insufficient recycling efficiency, millions of tons of polyethylene pollutants accumulate in terrestrial or marine environments each year [1][2][3][4][5]7]. ...
Article
Full-text available
This review paper updates the benefits of using hemp fibre for the production hemp plastic. Traditional fossil-fuel based plastic production emits massive levels of greenhouse gasses, and the material can take hundreds of years to break down. Traditionally, plastics are made from petroleum-based compounds, which release toxic gases into the atmosphere. Petroleum-based plastics and its by-product have a devastating effect on the land, water, and wildlife.
... Hemp plastics and composites in the automobile industry are currently used in trunks, headliners, door panels, dashboards, and many other vehicle parts [53]. Research has also been conducted on making Hemp-based bioplastics to replace synthetic plastics because they are 100% biodegradable [78,79]. ...
Article
Full-text available
This review paper gives an overview Hemp known as Cannabis Sativa, which has been cultivated and used as an agricultural crop centuries before the Common Area. Hemp has been described as the billion-dollar plant in 1938 but has lost its value in the U.S. and the World due to regulatory and legislature issues since then. Hemp has seen as new push In the U.S. and other parts of the world with the introduction of legislature in the late 20th century in Europe and other parts of the world and recently in the U.S with the 2018 Farm Bill which allows on a federal level to grow Hemp, pending on individual state regulations, allowing Hemp to become a new sustainable crop for many future applications. However, Hemp research in these areas has stalled due to the complexity of the law. Hemp is used in many counties today that do not have as strict regulations as the U.S. and Europe in a variety of applications such as such as beauty products, pharmaceuticals, carpets, industrial insulation materials, paper products, cooking oil, personal care products, and textiles as well as biofuel application to replace petroleum-based fuels and gases due to its low lignin and high cellulose level. In most European countries, and the U.S. cultivars with a level below 0.3% THC are allowed. But cultivation is generally subject to reporting. The use of Hemp plants with higher levels is strictly forbidden in most countries. Usage of Hemp fibers as sustainable environmentally friendly fiber source for energy and industrial applications are slowly moving forwards at present time since there is barely practical large-scale research and pilot installations available about its industrial application potential.
... The production of bioplastics encompasses the use of renewable resources, including corn starch [18], potato starch [19], sugarcane [20], wheat [21], and soybeans [22], as well as speci c bioplastics like PLA derived from corn or sugarcane, and innovative sources such as algae [23], hemp [24], and wood pulp cellulose [25]. These resources not only contribute to mitigating environmental impacts, but also reduce dependence on nite fossil fuel reserves. ...
Preprint
Full-text available
This study presents the synthesis of agrowaste banana peel extract-based magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (BPEx-MIONPs), emphasizing antioxidant capacity and food preservation. Using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl 3 · 6 H 2 O) as a precursor and a reducing agent from agrowaste peel extract, a precisely controlled process yielded BPEx-MIONPs. Characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD revealed tetragonal Fe 2 O 3 , cubic magnetite structure, and monoclinic FexOy-NPs with an average size of 14.8 nm. TEM and SEM showcased diverse morphologies—cubic, quasi-spherical, and elongated microdomains. FTIR confirmed Fe–O bonds (1000 − 400 cm ⁻¹ ). Antioxidant assessment showed robust DPPH free radical scavenging; BPEx achieved 100% inhibition at 18 min, and BPEx-MIONPs had an IC 50 of ~ 136 µg/mL. BPEx-MIONPs, stabilized with banana-based bioplastic, effectively preserved grapes, reducing weight loss to 6.2% on day 3, compared to the control (19.0%). This pioneering study combines banana peel antioxidants with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, providing sustainable solutions for food preservation and nano-packaging. Ongoing research aims to refine conditions and explore broader applications of BPEx-MIONPs.
... Plastic is used in virtually every industry and in every area of life, but mostly as all kinds of food packaging-almost 40%; in the construction industry-over 30%; and in the automotive industry-approx. 15% [59]. ...
Article
Full-text available
Hemp cultivation is becoming increasingly common worldwide, although it still raises many concerns. These plants are gaining popularity due to their versatility and the ability to use virtually every part of them in almost all economic branches. Hemp products are sought after and appreciated by consumers. The cultivation of hemp does not place a large burden on the environment. All this makes hemp an ideal plant in terms of land use, which is closely related to the idea of sustainable development. This paper describes the legal aspects of hemp cultivation in Europe and briefly presents its breeding and cultivation. The possibilities of their versatile use are presented, with particular reference to biofuel production. Moreover, the suitability for ecological cultivation, description of the economic and social aspects of industrial hemp cultivation, as well as future outlooks, are also described.
... On the other hand, industrial products based on natural raw materials, such as hemp plastics, are used for manufacturing 3D-printer filaments made from the waste of hemp production (Gray et al., 2016;Mikula et al., 2021;Stoof & Pickering, 2018). Hemp bioplastic filaments are attractive due to their positive eco-footprint and optimum weight/volume ratio (Mirpoor et al., 2021;Modi et al., 2018). This hemp plastic has been shown to be more efficient and more esthetically pleasing than other bioplastics. ...
Chapter
With global warming and the economic crisis threatening agricultural production in the Mediterranean basin, there are new challenges and opportunities for renewing plant material. Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) has great potential as a multifunctional crop for many different environments. Although hemp is a controlled and multifaceted crop, today, its production is amply undergoing resurgence. The European Union directives restricted its expansion; however, with the renewal in hemp interest and an increase in its cultivation, the hemp industry in Europe has increased in recent decades. This review addresses hemp as a sustainable high-yielding crop that is well adapted to most European conditions, with suitable environmental and agronomic benefits. Specifically, this multiuse crop is able to supply raw material to a large number of traditional and innovative industrial applications, which will be enhanced if the market shows a continuous increasing demand for it. That is, hemp cultivation is perceived as a promising option in terms of crop diversification; particularly in the Mediterranean semiarid region, its implementation remains limited, which reduces the progress of hemp value chains at a larger scale. We concluded that although more knowledge is needed regarding the agronomic practices for cultivating hemp, there is a large amount of evidence that in the coming years, the global market of products made from hemp could be significantly augmented. Thus, hemp can rebuild its reputation with huge opportunities as a promising raw material and a leading crop for sustainable agriculture.
Article
The “Felina 32” variety of industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is among the most popular cultivated varieties in Lithuania. In 2020 to 2021, the height of the above-ground portion of “Felina 32” ranged from about 1.37 to 2.52 m. In the less favorable year of 2021, 9.8% lower height and 28.5% lower mass plants grew. However, the impact of meteorological conditions on their comparative indicators was not confirmed. Two critical intervals were distinguished, which essentially influence the dynamics of plant growth: crop density of 90 to 150 plants∙m2 and plant height of 1.9 m to 1.99 m. Lower crop density results in larger plants, and plants taller than 1.9 m gain mass 2.58 times faster than shorter plants. In addition, industrial hemp of different heights is characterized by differences in the development of morphological parts. This directly affects the physical and chemical properties of biomass. It was determined that when the height of “Felina 32” variety changes, the heat value of biomass increases 0.342 MJ/kg, carbon concentration increases 0.70%, and ash content, sulfur, nitrogen, and chlorine concentrations decreased.
Article
Full-text available
This study presents the synthesis of agro-waste banana peel extract-based magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (BPEx-MIONPs), emphasizing antioxidant capacity and food preservation. Using iron (III) chloride hexahydrate (FeCl3 · 6 H2O) as a precursor and a reducing agent from agro-waste peel extract, a precisely controlled process yielded BPEx-MIONPs. Characterization involved X-ray diffraction (XRD), transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). XRD revealed tetragonal Fe2O3, cubic magnetite structure, and monoclinic FexOy-NPs with an average size of 14.8 nm. TEM and SEM revealed diverse morphologies. TEM displayed both spherical and elongated nanoparticles, with some appearing as thin fibrils. In contrast, SEM images depicted an array primarily consisting of spherical nanoparticles, resembling coral reef formations. FTIR confirmed Fe–O bonds (1000 –400 cm⁻¹). The antioxidant assessment showed robust DPPH free radical scavenging; BPEx achieved 100% inhibition at 18 min, and BPEx-MIONPs had an IC50 of ~ 136 µg/mL. BPEx-MIONPs, stabilized with banana-based bioplastic, effectively preserved grapes, reducing weight loss to 6.2% on day 3, compared to the control (19.0%). This pioneering study combines banana peel antioxidants with magnetic iron oxide nanoparticles, providing sustainable solutions for food preservation and nano-packaging. Ongoing research aims to refine conditions and explore broader applications of BPEx-MIONPs. Graphical Abstract
Article
Full-text available
In the present study, the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity in the inflorescences of the monoecious hemp cultivar Codimono grown in southern Italy were assessed, and their elicitation was induced by foliar spray application of 50 mg/L and 250 mg/L of chitosan (CHT) at three different molecular weights (low, CHT L; medium, CHT M; high CHT H). The analysis of the phytochemical profile confirmed that cannabinoids were the most abundant class (54.2%), followed by flavonoids (40.3%), tocopherols (2.2%), phenolic acids (1.9%), and carotenoids (1.4%). Cannabinoids were represented almost exclusively by cannabidiol, whereas cannabigerol and Δ9-tetrahydrocannabinol were detected at very low levels (the latter was below the legal limit of 0.3%). The most abundant flavonoids were orientin and vitexin, whereas tocopherols were mainly represented by α-tocopherol. The antioxidant activity was found to be positively correlated with flavonoids and tocopherols. Statistical analysis revealed that the CHT treatments significantly affected the phytochemical content and the antioxidant activity of hemp inflorescences. Notably, a significant increase in the total phenolic content (from +36% to +69%), the α-tocopherol (from +45% to +75%) and β+γ-tocopherol (from +35% to +82%) contents, and the ABTS radical scavenging activity (from +12% to +28%) was induced by all the CHT treatments. In addition, treatments with CHT 50 solutions induced an increase in the total flavonoid content (from +12% to +27%), as well as in the vitexin (from +17% to +20%) and orientin (from +20% to +30%) contents. Treatment with CHT 50 L almost always resulted in the greatest increases. Overall, our findings indicated that CHT could be used as a low-cost and environmentally safe elicitor to improve the health benefits and the economic value of hemp inflorescences, thus promoting their employment in the food, pharmaceutical, nutraceutical, and cosmetic supply chains.
Book
Full-text available
Kenevir ve endüstri
  • L Y Beeker
  • M Joshua
  • M Pearce
L.Y. Beeker, M. Pringle Joshua, M. Pearce. International Journal of Molecular Sciences (September, 2009)
  • M Karus
  • G Leson
M. Karus and G. Leson. International Hemp Association. Vol. 4 (June 01, 1997)