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Article . 2025 . Peer-reviewed
License: CC BY
Data sources: Crossref
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Structural Optimization of Sustainable Lightweight Hemp Shive-Fiber Panels

Authors: Viktor Savov; Petar Antov; Viktoria Dudeva; Georgi Ivanov;

Structural Optimization of Sustainable Lightweight Hemp Shive-Fiber Panels

Abstract

This study investigates the structural optimization of lightweight three-layer panels made from industrial hemp shives (core) and hemp fibers (faces) as a sustainable alternative to wood-based materials in furniture manufacturing. Panels with target densities of 400–600 kg·m−3 and face-layer contents of 30%–50%were produced and tested to European standards. The optimal configuration—600 kg·m−3 with ~37%–41% face layers—achieved a modulus of elasticity up to 3750 N·mm−2 and a bending strength (MOR) up to 21.57 N·mm−2. Across the design space, water absorption ranged from ~83% to 162%, and the minimum thickness swelling was ~29%, indicating that while the mechanical properties meet the requirements for P2 particleboards (EN 312) and in some cases approach MDF benchmarks for dry use, thickness swelling remains above the EN 622-5 limit (12%) and thus precludes MDF classification. These findings demonstrate the technical feasibility of hemp shive–fiber panels and underscore the need to balance density and face-layer ratio to avoid loss of core densification at excessive face contents. From a sustainability perspective, the use of rapidly renewable hemp and agricultural residues highlights the potential of these composites to support resource-efficient, low-carbon furniture production, while future work should target improved water resistance through binder and process modifications.

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selected citations
These citations are derived from selected sources.
This is an alternative to the "Influence" indicator, which also reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Citations provided by BIP!
popularity
This indicator reflects the "current" impact/attention (the "hype") of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Popularity provided by BIP!
influence
This indicator reflects the overall/total impact of an article in the research community at large, based on the underlying citation network (diachronically).
BIP!Influence provided by BIP!
impulse
This indicator reflects the initial momentum of an article directly after its publication, based on the underlying citation network.
BIP!Impulse provided by BIP!
2
Top 10%
Average
Average
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