Polymer Structural Composites Reinforced with Hemp Fibres-Impact Tests of Composites After Long-Term Storage in Representative Aqueous Environments and Fire Tests in the Context of Their Disposal by Energy Recycling Methods

This paper presents the potential for an alternative use of structural polymer composite reinforcement, made from natural industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) fibres, in the manufacture of selected products in the shipbuilding industry. This research used fabrics made from unmodified and chemically modified industrial hemp fibres. The primary research focus was on determining the impact strength of the new eco-friendly structural composites produced after long-term storage in representative aqueous environments. Also presented are the results of fire response tests of these composites in the context of their disposal by energy recycling. The tests carried out also referred to a well-defined glass fibre-reinforced polymer composite, from which a control slab of the actual product was realistically produced in the form of a representative section of a 34-foot boat hull plate below the waterline. The results of this basic research into these structural composites confirmed the validity of continuing, respectively, application and implementation research, aimed at producing composites dedicated to selected products of the shipbuilding industry.