Effect of Processing and Cultivar on Thermo-Chemical Properties of Australian- Grown Hemp Hurd (Cannabis sativa L.)

Abstract

This study explored the thermo-chemical properties of industrial hemp hurd with different provenances, maturity stages, and retting protocols. The findings were then compared to hemp hurd used in the fabrication of citric acid-bonded ultra-low-density hemp hurd particleboard. Pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS), Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), and thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) were employed to document the variability of the hurd and comprehend the potential impact on biobased composite applications. The choice of cultivar, maturity stage, and processing modality significantly influenced the chemical composition, presence of functional groups, and the..