Extraction of hemp fibres for load bearing composites. Minimisation of the extraction impact of processes such as scutching or “all fibre” extraction devices on the fibres mechanical properties

With the view to minimise the impact on the environment of composite materials all along their life cycle, numerous studies and reviews investigate the potential of renewable and recyclables fibres. Among them, bast fibres such as flax received a wide attention and commercial reinforcement products are now available on the market and are used in different composite load bearing applications (automotive, sport, furniture etc…). This is not the case of textiles based on hemp because the extraction techniques (hammer mills) are not adapted to minimise their impact on the fibres and severely reduce their properties