HempFibEx – Hemp as a fibre for composites

In the FFG-funded project HempFibEx – Optimisation of hemp fibre-reinforced polymers for external applications, the project consortium aims to develop hemp fibre-based composites for structural components in the construction industry to the prototype stage and to ensure their suitability for industrial processing.

Hemp fibre-reinforced composites combine high mechanical performance with low weight and a good environmental footprint. This makes them particularly suitable for use in the construction industry. For facade elements, thermal insulation capacity and energy-efficient operation are of central importance, alongside load-bearing capacity.
At the same time, outdoor applications place high demands on materials: load-bearing components must function safely and reliably over the long term under varying environmental conditions (temperature, humidity).

The project focuses on:

Material development: Application-specific material concepts with targeted functionalisation of the fibres, particularly with regard to moisture resistance and fire behaviour.
Process development: Definition and optimisation of cost-effective, quality-assured manufacturing processes for building materials.
Validation: Systematic production of different material variants, including prototype components, and their testing using appropriate methods.
Long-term behaviour: Application-oriented characterisation under realistic conditions – sustained mechanical loads at varying temperatures and humidity levels – to derive reliable design criteria.

From structure to component

The relationships between microstructure, processing and component properties established in the project form the basis for targeted improvements. On this basis, façade and other structural components will be further optimised in terms of lightweight construction potential, energy efficiency and durability.
Outlook In the coming project phases, the most promising material and process variants will be scaled up, fire and moisture behaviour further improved, and prototype components tested under long-term conditions. The aim is to establish marketable, sustainable lightweight construction solutions for the building industry – with hemp fibre-reinforced composites as a high-performance alternative to conventional materials.