Applications of industrial hemp
Industrial hemp has a multitude of industrial applications, and has been cultivated for centuries, with the first record of its use and cultivation dating back to 2800 BC in China. Initially, it was harvested for its fibres, which are used to make ropes, bags, shirts, paper, clothes and even shoes thanks to their durability. However, in recent years its uses have expanded to the food, beverage, cosmetics and pharmaceutical industries, and even to its use in the construction sector, with a total of 50,000 uses. The uses and properties of each part of the hemp plants are detailed below:
Seeds:
Hemp seeds are used in the production of various products, thanks to their high content of omega 3 and omega 6, among the most notable products are:
Food
Drinks
Oils
Cosmetics
Pharmacists
Stem:
The oldest uses of this plant come from the stem of hemp plants, as its long-lasting and flexible fibers are extracted and can be used to create:
Strings
Wood
Clothes
Accessories
Paper
Concrete
Biodegradable plastic
Root:
The roots of hemp plants have mainly medicinal uses, where ointments and creams (based on the seeds and roots) can treat:
Fever
Arthritis
Inflammation
Pain from fractures
Muscle pain
Joint pain
Focusing on construction, one of its best-known applications is Hempcrete, whose name is composed of the word "Hemp" and the abbreviation of the word "concrete". This is the name given to the paste made by mixing hemp fibres (the so-called hemp found in the core of the stem), lime (limestone powder), sand and water. Its limestone component also gives this composition the name HempLime.
The paste thus obtained can be applied directly on site, although, like concrete, it requires a curing period. Over time, the water, lime and hemp petrify, resulting in an extremely strong but at the same time very light structure that can last thousands of years and, due to its stability, is ideal for seismic zones as it does not crack.
However, we can also buy already cured products in the form of bricks or blocks with this paste. We must also take into account that some of its components may vary, for example, limestone can be replaced by a silicon-aluminum mixture. With this material we can also find ecological insulating products for construction, such as panels or hemp wool blankets.
Advantages of hemp in architecture
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Great stability: it does not shrink, thus preventing the formation of cracks
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Easy to apply: simple instructions
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Very versatile: can be used on walls, floors and ceilings
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Energy efficiency: its insulating properties allow it to maintain a stable temperature:
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Acoustic insulator: prevents the penetration of outside noise and reverberations inside
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Breathable and hygroscopic: completely prevents condensation and mould formation
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Healthy environments: free of volatile organic compounds (VOC)
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Durability: The mixture petrifies and gains strength over time
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Resistant to parasites: because the hemp stem does not contain albumin
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Fire resistant
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Energy reduction: it allows the construction of nearly zero energy buildings (EECN), as it has a very short growth period and captures 4 times more carbon dioxide (CO2) than wood.
