Valorization of hemp fibers into biocomposites via one‐step pectin‐based green fabrication process

In this paper, an environmentally friendly fabrication process was reported to valorize hemp fibers into biocomposites through a pectin‐based crosslinking reaction. In this water‐based chemical approach, the hemp fibers were crosslinked via a transesterification process between pectin and lignin present in hemp fibers to produce hemp fiber composites in a one‐step process. Our green process was advantageous over conventional processes that rely on the use of petroleum‐based organic solvents and high reaction temperatures because water was used as the reaction solvent with a mild reaction temperature (70°C). Additionally, to further optimize this biocomposite fabrication process, one‐factor analysis of variance study was carried out for investigating the main and interaction effects of the mass ratios of pectin to hemp fiber (1:5, 2:5, 3:5, 4:5, and 5:5) on the compressive strength and bulk density of the hemp fiber composite materials. In addition, the fabrication process was explored at different pH values to probe its versatility. The compressive strength of the as‐synthesized hemp fiber composite materials was observed to be dependent on the pH of the reaction conditions, indirectly confirming the formation of ester bonds between pectin and the lignin of hemp fibers via transesterification. A one‐step water‐based fabrication methodology to valorize hemp fibers into biocomposite materials was reported using pectin as a crosslinker. The compressive strength of these hemp fiber composites was pH‐dependent and followed a V‐shape trend, confirming the formation of ester bonds between pectin and lignin of hemp fibers via transesterification.