KRICT researchers use hemp waste to strengthen biodegradable plastics

Researchers at the Korea Research Institute of Chemical Technology (KRICT) have developed a method to strengthen biodegradable plastics using hemp hurd, a woody agricultural byproduct. Led by Dr. Hoyong Kim, the team extracted cellulose from discarded industrial hemp stalks to create a reinforcing biofiller.

Biodegradable films, often composed of thermoplastic starch and poly(butylene adipate-co-terephthalate) (PBAT), are widely used for eco-friendly packaging and agricultural mulch. However, these materials frequently suffer from low tear resistance and poor moisture protection. By processing hemp hurd into microfibrillated cellulose, the researchers can reinforce the plastic structure similarly to how steel reinforces concrete.

This approach addresses the issue of hornification, a process where cellulose fibers clump together during drying and lose their effectiveness. The new method preserves the microfibrillar structure, allowing for even distribution within the plastic. Utilizing hemp hurd, which accounts for approximately 70% of the stalk's weight, could reduce both agricultural waste and the high costs associated with using traditional wood pulp or cotton.