Introduction.

The pressure to find workable substitutes to the currently prevalent petroleum-based plastics is
ever-growing due to constant worsening of the global outlook for the environment. Plastics
pollution has become perhaps the most pressing environmental issues of the current generation
affecting water bodies, the earth’s surface, and wildlife. If ingested or trapped in plastic trash, it
poses a threat to wildlife most especially marine animals but is also part of the long-term effects
on pollution of the environment. This pollution remains unaddressed for centuries, most of the
petroleum products such as plastics do not decompose because they are non biodegradable. In
addition, the fabrication of pet-based plastics leads to the emission of more greenhouse gases
which has negative impacts on our current world climate (Hopewell, 2009)

In light of this rising environmental challenge, the production of bio-based plastics and other
biodegradable materials has risen recently. Featuring plant-based, algal, bacterial or even fungal
materials these bio-plastics provide a viable environment-friendly option for the reduction of
dependency to fossil fuel and the hazardous effects of plasticization. Among these, the bioplastic
derived cellulose, which is the most abundant organic polymer of this world, has been studied
vastly due to its feasibility and biodegradability and low toxicity.

Since it is among the fastest growing plants which can grow under a wide range of
environmental conditions, hemp (Cannabis sativa) offers a great potential for bio-based materials
production. Environmentalists are pleased with hemp farming because it uses fewer pesticides
and water than many other crops (Martin, 2019).It is noteworthy that cellulose makes up to 70%
of the dry mass of hemp material, which indicates the plant’selnerness to the creation of
composite materials. This cellulose can be processed and transformed directly into bioplastics
and hydrogels with favourable characteristics to their petroleum-based counterparts for
applications including packaging, biomedical constituents, agriculture coverings, and even for
drug delivery.

Hemp based materials offer several unique qualities that make them suitable for use in industries
as is explained below. Firstly, they are biodegradable, this indicates that they decompose faster
in natural conditions than synthetic product. Such specialised characteristic could greatly lower
the tendency of plastic wastes to remain in ecosystems and thus cause pollution. Mechanics of
hemp based plastics are also good, in terms of flexibility, tensile strength as well as durability
that makes hemp based plastics good replacement for conventional plastics used in food
packaging, daily use products and even in medical fields (Jones, 2021) Also, the modified hemp
cellulose which is in the hemp hydrogels is hydrophilic and operative in retaining water and
applicable in the wound dressings, agriculture (to retain water in the soil) and the controlled drug
release system (Zhao, 2020).

As promising the application of hemp-based materials might look, it has its limitations as well.
Thus, despite the effectiveness of extracting the cellulose from hemp cost and the labor required
to do so presents large barriers to these products becoming commonplace in the industrial
market. Some of the processing steps used in extracting pure cellulose are retting, chemical
treatments and sometimes must be bleaching which adds to the overall cost.Besides, hemp
cellulose has been established to be an excellent material for the production of bioplastics and
hydrogels due to its high quality and resistance; however, the durability of the materials has not
been fully appreciated and how effective they are to petroleum plastics is still under study. More
research has to be done regarding properties like thermal stability, water resistance, mechanical
toughness in diverse states, etc.

Moreover, no special attention to the proportionality of the system is given; that is, scalability is
also a problem. Using hemp as a bioplastic material during a small-scale production is quite
possible; however, when switching to large-scale industrial application of products based on
bioplastics, several factors make it difficult. Therefor it is important that the potential
environmental advantages of HPD bioplastics and hydrogels are quite apparent but their is need
for more rigorous research in order to develop efficient extraction and fabrication technologies,
cut down on costs and to effectively determine the durability and efficiency of these actual
applications.

In this respect, this research aims to examine the synthesis procedure and characteristics of
bioplastics and hydrogels based on hemp cellulose. To this end, it seeks to fill the existing
knowledge gap in terms of the efficiency of extraction methods, mechanical, thermal and
biodegradable characteristics of hemp-based products and the feasibility of using these products
in various sectors. In this regard, this study seeks to contribute to the current trend of research
towards finding better substitute for conventional petroleum-based plastics with the hope of
bringing about a change in the global green material systems.

So, the desire for environmentally friendly materials to replace conventional plastics has never
been greater than it is today. Hemp derived Bioplastics and hydrogels can be offered as the
solution to this problem due to the factors like degradability, mechanical strength, and eco
friendliness. The current research aims to contribute to the understandings of the processing and
properties of hemp-based biopolymers and propose them as suitable candidates in industries
seeking environmentally friendly solutions.

Background

The conventional plastics used all over the world have been some of the main culprits causing
environmental issues. Based on petroleum and widely applied in packaging, consumption,
medical care, construction use, plastics have low degradability. Consequently, they remain in the
landfill sites, water bodies, and terrestrials that pose long-term pollution challenges. Currently,
approximately 8 meters tons of plastics reach the sea annually, and negatively affect sea-life and
ecosystems, global health (Roser, 2018). This environmental calamity is further exaggerated by
the fact accompanying plastic production is a high energy expenditure and high GHG emissions.
As such, there is a great call for new materials that can be employed in consumer products with
added benefits of sustainability.

New generation renewable resource based biodegradable plastics are one of the best solutions to
counter the menace of plastics. In contrast to the conventional plastic, which, as the experience
shows can remain in nature for several hundred years, bioplastic, in general, is produced using
renewable and biodegradable raw material, mainly plant-based or the product of algae and
microorganisms. Primary among the investigated BPFs is cellulose, a natural polymer present in
the walls of plant cells. Cellulose is the most abundant organic compound on earth and has been
researched widely for its application in generation of sustainable material such as bioplastic,
hydro gels.

Among all the natural sources, hemp (Cannabis sativa) appears to be one of the most suitable
sources of cellulose for the synthesis of biodegradable plastics and hydrogels. In the past, the
plant has been extensively used in fabric manufacturing, making ropes, paper, and even
construction due to the high fibre content and short growing period. While they have been touted
for their future use in bioplastics and hydrogels, the application of this polymer has only recently
been explored widely due to the development of newer methods for extraction, alteration, and
processing of the material. Being able to have cellulose content, up to 70% of hemp’s dry
weight, is perhaps the most promising feature for the creation of a wide variety of bio-degradable
materials with mechanical characteristics comparable to those of synthetic polymers.

In this case, one of the foundational benefits that make hemp suitable for the formulation of
bioplastics and hydrogels is its impact on the environment as compared to traditional petroleum
based plastics. Hemp is among the crops that take a short duration to grow and grow without
necessarily needing a lot of water and without necessarily needing a lot of herbicides and
fertilizers. Indeed, it is expected that hemp can easily grow well in various types of soil and that
makes it suited to organic farming techniques.

In contrast, the production of synthetic plastics involves the extraction and refinement of fossil
fuels, a process that is resource-intensive and contributes significantly to global carbon
emissions. Additionally, the cultivation of crops for bio-based materials, such as hemp, can help
sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, further mitigating the environmental impact.

Recent studies have demonstrated that hemp cellulose can be processed into biodegradable
plastic films with desirable properties, including good tensile strength, flexibility, and thermal
stability, making it a suitable candidate for packaging, medical, and agricultural applications.
Hemp-based films have shown promise as replacements for petroleum-based packaging
materials, which are responsible for a significant portion of plastic waste. Researchers have
found that these films are not only biodegradable but also have the potential to degrade within
months when exposed to natural environmental conditions, significantly reducing the time it
takes for plastic to decompose in comparison to conventional plastics.

In addition to its use in bioplastics, hemp cellulose can also be modified to produce hydrogels,
which are water-absorbing polymers used in a wide range of medical, agricultural, and industrial
applications. Hydrogels derived from hemp cellulose have been shown to retain significant
amounts of water and exhibit excellent biocompatibility, making them ideal for use in wound
care, controlled drug release, and soil water retention systems. Hemp hydrogels also demonstrate
lower toxicity and adverse biological reactions compared to synthetic hydrogels, which can
release harmful byproducts over time.These properties make hemp-based hydrogels a viable
alternative in areas where environmental and health concerns are critical, such as in biomedical
and agricultural industries.
Furthermore, hemp-based materials have a significantly lower environmental footprint compared
to traditional plastics. A study by Gonzalez indicated that the life cycle of hemp bioplastics—
starting from cultivation, extraction, processing, and disposal—is far less harmful to the
environment than the production of petroleum-based plastics. The environmental benefits of
using hemp in bioplastic production are manifold: reduced greenhouse gas emissions, less water
and energy consumption, and lower levels of toxic chemical use in manufacturing. The use of
hemp as a renewable resource also contributes to reducing the dependence on fossil fuels, which
are finite and associated with a range of environmental issues, including climate change and oil
spills.

While hemp-derived bioplastics and hydrogels present promising alternatives to traditional

plastics, there are still several challenges to be addressed. The extraction of cellulose from hemp
can be costly, and the scalability of production remains a major issue. The processes involved in
extracting and purifying cellulose—such as retting, chemical treatment, and bleaching—can add
significant cost to the overall production of hemp-based materials, making it less competitive
compared to petroleum-based plastics.Additionally, while there is a great deal of potential in the
mechanical and thermal properties of hemp-based materials, their performance in long-term use,
especially in diverse environmental conditions, needs to be studied in greater depth. Factors such
as water resistance, durability, and temperature stability under real-world conditions must be
fully understood to ensure the reliability and commercial viability of hemp-based materials.

Despite these challenges, ongoing research into optimizing extraction techniques, improving the
mechanical properties of hemp-based materials, and scaling up production could lead to
significant breakthroughs in the field. Innovations in blending hemp with other materials, such as
other biodegradable polymers or bioplastics, may further enhance the properties of hemp-derived
bioplastics and hydrogels, making them even more suitable for a wide range of applications.

This background highlights the significant potential of hemp as a source of sustainable materials.
It also underscores the importance of continued research and development in the area of bio-
based plastics and hydrogels. As the world grapples with the environmental crisis caused by
plastic pollution, hemp-derived materials could play a vital role in providing eco-friendly
alternatives that are biodegradable, sustainable, and have a much lower environmental impact
compared to their synthetic counterparts.

Problem Statement
The use of petroleum based plastics has caused environmental pollution, overwhelmed the waste
management systems and affected ecosystems besides being non-biodegradable, causing further
long-term impact to the ecosystems.This coupled with the ever rising demand for biodegradable
bioplastics and hydrogels from hemp, a fast-growing renewable resource, there is need to address
some of the following challenges. These drawbacks include but are not limited to the high cost of
cellulose extraction, problems of scalability in producing hemp bioplastics and relative
insufficiency of the knowledge of their mechanical properties, thermal stability, and durability in
comparison with conventional plastics. Although previous works have demonstrated the viability
of using hemp-based bioplastics in packaging material, in agriculture and biomedical contexts,
there is dearth of information on specific aspects of these materials such as the rate of
Considering these gaps, scrapy researchers have called for more studies that assess the feasibility
of using hemp bioplastics and hydrogels as sustainable, renewable material that could replace
petroleum products.The study is aimed at filling these knowledge gaps by examining the
possibility of commercializing hemp.
The main problem of this study is the lack of cost-effective production, scalability, and
comprehensive understanding of the mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability properties
of hemp-derived bioplastics and hydrogels, which hinders their widespread adoption as
sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based plastics.

Objectives of the Research

1. To extract high-purity cellulose from hemp stems.

2. To fabricate biogenic plastic and hydrogel films from hemp cellulose.
3. To characterize the mechanical, thermal, and biodegradability properties of hemp-based
films.
4. To compare the environmental and performance metrics of hemp-based bioplastics with
conventional plastics
5. To identify challenges and propose potential solutions for the scalability of hemp-based
materials

Literature Review: Fabrication and Characterization of Biogenic Plastic and

Hydrogel from Hemp Plant

The potential of hemp as a sustainable resource for biogenic plastic and hydrogel production has
garnered attention due to its high cellulose content, rapid growth rate, and environmental
benefits. This review covers the steps for extracting cellulose from hemp, the fabrication of
hemp-based bioplastics and hydrogels, detailed characterization of these materials, a comparative
analysis with conventional plastics, and the challenges and future prospects in this field.

Extraction of Cellulose from Hemp Stems

Hemp (Cannabis sativa) is recognized for its high cellulose content, which can make up as much
as 70% of the dry weight of its stems, making it an ideal candidate for bioplastic production.
Cellulose, a natural polymer, is the primary structural component of plant cell walls and plays a
crucial role in the strength and integrity of the plant. The extraction of cellulose from hemp
stems involves a complex, multi-step process designed to isolate pure cellulose while removing
undesirable components such as lignin, hemicellulose, and pectin, which can interfere with the
final product’s quality and performance. The process typically begins with dew retting, a
technique where the hemp stalks are exposed to moisture and microorganisms to break down the
non-cellulosic components. This is followed by an alkaline treatment, often using sodium
hydroxide (NaOH), to dissolve the remaining hemicellulose and lignin, leaving behind the
cellulose fibers. In some cases, further chemical treatments, including bleaching with hydrogen
peroxide, are employed to remove any remaining color or impurities, ensuring a high degree of
purity . This purified cellulose is then processed into various forms such as films, fibers, or gels,
which are used in the production of bioplastics and hydrogels, making it a sustainable alternative
to petroleum-based plastics. The efficient extraction and purification of cellulose from hemp are
vital for optimizing its mechanical properties and ensuring the functionality of the resulting
biogenic materials in diverse applications. (Cjen L, 2018)

1.1 Dew Retting

Dew retting is a natural microbial process that plays a crucial role in the extraction of cellulose
from hemp by breaking down non-cellulosic components, such as pectin and lignin, which are
embedded within the plant’s fibers. During dew retting, harvested hemp stalks are exposed to
moisture, typically through rain or morning dew, which promotes microbial activity.
Microorganisms, especially bacteria, naturally degrade the non-cellulosic materials, easing the
subsequent extraction of cellulose from the plant This process requires minimal chemical input,
making it an environmentally friendly and sustainable method for preparing hemp fibers for
further processing. Dew retting also helps in preserving the integrity of the cellulose fibers,
which is essential for the production of high-quality bioplastics and hydrogels. (Gonzalez, 2019)

Despite its benefits, the efficiency of dew retting can be influenced by various environmental
factors such as temperature, humidity, and soil conditions, which can vary significantly across
different geographical regions . The success of the process depends on the right balance of
moisture and microbial activity, which can be difficult to control or predict. For example, high
humidity levels and cooler temperatures may slow down microbial degradation, whereas
excessive rain or too much moisture can lead to over-retting, which may degrade the cellulose
itself These factors make it challenging to standardize dew retting, especially for large-scale
industrial applications. As a result, while dew retting is a sustainable and cost-effective method
for extracting cellulose, it requires careful monitoring of environmental conditions to ensure
efficient and consistent results. (Jones P. &., 2021)

1.2 Alkaline Treatment

After dew retting, an alkaline treatment is typically applied to further purify the extracted
cellulose by breaking down the remaining non-cellulosic components, namely lignin and
hemicellulose. This process generally involves immersing the retted hemp fibers in a sodium
hydroxide (NaOH) solution, which effectively removes these impurities. The strong alkaline
solution disrupts the bonds between cellulose, lignin, and hemicellulose, leading to a cleaner and
more refined cellulose product. The removal of lignin, in particular, is crucial as it imparts color
and rigidity to the plant fiber, and its removal enhances the transparency and flexibility of the
resulting material, which is important for applications in bioplastics and hydrogels.

In addition to purifying the cellulose, alkaline treatment also alters the crystalline structure of the
cellulose itself. The process typically increases the amorphous regions of the cellulose, which
can improve its reactivity and ability to dissolve in solvents, a key step for bioplastic fabrication.
Studies have shown that this modification of the cellulose structure can enhance its mechanical
properties, particularly its tensile strength, making it more suitable for material applications. The
improved tensile strength is critical for the development of durable bioplastics and hydrogels that
can withstand mechanical stresses without breaking or deforming. (Ahmed, 2020)

The alkaline treatment is also known to increase the purity of the cellulose to around 90%, as
demonstrated in research by Li et al. (2020), showing that this chemical treatment is effective in
isolating high-quality cellulose from the rest of the plant material. The higher purity cellulose
produced through alkaline treatment has superior qualities, such as improved biodegradability
and enhanced performance as a raw material for bioplastics, making it an essential step in the
preparation of hemp cellulose for commercial applications .

Bleaching and Purification

Bleaching is an important step in improving the purity of the cellulose that extracted from the
stems of hemp as it helps wash off any remaining lignin, hemicellulose and color which may still
be present after the same extraction. This step is particularly relevant for applications where the
use of bioplastics with an appearance similar to the most common plastics can be of importance,
for example, in the case of transparent or white bioplastics containing lignin that negatively
affects the color and, therefore, the appearance of the material.The bleaching process usually
makes the usage of chemical agents such as hydrogen peroxide or sodium hypochlorite which
have the oxidation capacity to destroy the lignin and the other chromopholes in the cellulose
fibres in order to bleach them and make of pure cellulose with lighter colour. This purified
cellulose forms the basis of the polymer to create both biogenic plastic and hydrogel films which
are crucial to generate the necessary mechanical characteristics and aesthetic appearance of the
created material (Jones, 2021).Moreover, the bleaching process also finds its utility in enhancing
function of the resulting compound where the flexible film-forming properties with improved
mechanical strength in addition the beneficiary factor of improving biocompatibility when used
in the biomedical applications like, drug delivery and wound dressing materials.

2. Fabrication of Biogenic Plastic and Hydrogel Films

The conversion of hemp-derived cellulose into bioplastics and hydrogels involves various
processing methods, each tailored to yield materials with desirable properties like flexibility,
biodegradability, and mechanical strength for targeted applications.

2.1/ Biogenic Plastic Fabrication

Solution casting is the most common technique used for processing hemp-based bioplastics since
it provides satisfactory results and low cost, especially when working with thin, flexible, and
completely transparent films. Here first, cellulose obtained from hemp is purified and dissolved
in an appropriate solvent, which may include a strong base or an ionic liquid that leads to
destruction of crystalline structure of cellulose thus making it soluble (Ahmed et al., 2020). The
final cellulose solution is coated on an even layer on a flat surface: glass or Teflon plate to dry.
When the solvent has burned off, the cellulose gel hardens to a flexible solid base in which the
other compound is dispersed. This method is especially beneficial because thickness and surface
of the created film may vary, which is important for further application of the film, for example,
in packers or in biomedical field.

According to Ahmed et al. (2020), hemp bioplastics derive from the industrial plant that displays
tensile strength, which can be considered identical to petroleum-based plastics, and can be used
in packaging and single-use utensils. These bioplastics are as strong as commercial plastics and
are also an added advantage of being biodegradable. Smith et al. (2019) established that hemp-
based bioplastics are capable of degrading in both soil and aquatic interfaces within the next one
and half year, while conventional petroleum based plastics can take hundreds of years to
degrade. This aspect of rapid biodegradation of the polymer Copyright of Polymer News is the
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(Ahmed, 2020). (Smith, 2019)

The biodegradability of these bioplastics is as a result of the nature of cellulose within the hemp
plant from which the bioplastics are made from. As cellulose is an organic polymer that is
available in plenty all over the world it is easy for microorganisms to degrade it into carbon di-
oxide and water thus making it environmentally friendly when compared to synthesized plastics.
Further, the properties of versatility, clarity and durability of the bioplastics from hemp have
brought in new opportunities to use it in applications that include packaging, agricultural films
and disposals, which are normally dependent on non-renewable plastic. It also reaffirms that
hemp bioplastics can cause a decrease in environmental plastics and be a sustainable alternative
in industries with very great interest.

Hemp cellulose biodegradable plastics for different uses have been practiced in areas such as
disposable cutlery, shopping bags, and in packaging. Research has also shown that there are
improvements in mechanical properties of hemp cellulose bioplastics to include covalent cross
linking where polymer chains are chemically bonded and make films more effective

2.2 Hydrogel Fabrication

Hemp cellulose can be transformed into hydrogels by a process called cross-linking, where
polymer chains are covalently joined to other chains to form a helical structure. It is within this
network that one can retain or swellable amounts of water to give the hydrogel its characteristics.
Heat setting commonly involves splitting reactions with chemical cross linkers or linkers like
glutaraldehyde or epichlorohydrin that interconnect the cellulose molecules and make a structure
that is capable of holding water without dissolving .Due to its peculiar property of water
retention, hemp derived hydrogel will be ideal to be used in areas where moisture matters so
much like the production of food crops and use in cases of wound healing.

In agricultural applications, hemp-based hydrogels can be used as soil conditioners or as a

medium for controlled-release fertilizers. These hydrogels help retain water in the soil, which is
especially beneficial in drought-prone areas, reducing the frequency of irrigation and improving
crop yields. This water retention ability is a result of the hydrogel’s ability to swell upon contact
with water, trapping moisture in the soil, which is then gradually released as the plants require it.

Moreover, hemp-based hydrogels are particularly promising in the biomedical field, especially in
wound care. The moisture-retaining properties of the hydrogel create a moist environment that
accelerates the healing process by reducing the risk of infections and promoting cell
regeneration.Additionally, these hydrogels are biocompatible, meaning they do not trigger
adverse immune reactions when in contact with biological tissues. This biocompatibility is
crucial for medical applications, such as wound dressings or drug delivery systems, where
materials must not interfere with the body’s natural functions. (Kumar, 2020)

In the field of drug delivery, hemp-derived hydrogels offer the added benefit of controlled drug
release. Research by Li et al. (2021) demonstrated that hemp-based hydrogels could release
therapeutic agents in a sustained manner over extended periods. This characteristic is invaluable
for treatments that require continuous dosing, such as those for chronic conditions or infections,
where frequent administration of medication can be inconvenient or impractical. The controlled
release of drugs from the hydrogel ensures that a consistent level of the therapeutic agent is
maintained in the body, improving patient compliance and treatment effectiveness.

Overall, the versatility of hemp cellulose in producing hydrogels provides significant potential
for use in a variety of industries, from agriculture to medicine, by offering an environmentally
friendly, biodegradable alternative to synthetic hydrogels. The ability to retain moisture and
release it gradually makes these hydrogels particularly useful in scenarios where hydration is
essential, while their biocompatibility ensures their safety for use in medical applications.

(Li, 2021)

3. Characterization of Hemp-Based Films

The characterization of hemp-derived films involves evaluating their mechanical, thermal, and
biodegradability properties to assess their suitability for various applications.

3.1 Mechanical Properties

Hemp-based bioplastics possess mechanical properties, such as tensile strength and elasticity,
that are comparable to or even exceed those of conventional petroleum-based plastics, which are
essential for their performance in various applications. Tensile strength, which refers to the
ability of a material to withstand tension or stretching without breaking, is a critical factor in
ensuring the durability of materials used in load-bearing applications like packaging, agricultural
films, and even medical devices. Research conducted by Miller highlighted that hemp cellulose-
based films demonstrated impressive tensile strength, which is necessary for these materials to
endure stress and mechanical forces during use.

The high tensile strength of hemp-based bioplastics makes them viable alternatives to traditional
plastics, especially in industries that rely heavily on packaging materials. These materials need to
resist physical stress from handling, transportation, and environmental factors, which hemp-
derived plastics can achieve while remaining lightweight and biodegradable .Additionally, the
elasticity of hemp-based films ensures they maintain their shape and structural integrity even
when subjected to bending or stretching. This combination of tensile strength and elasticity
makes hemp-based bioplastics suitable for a range of applications, from single-use packaging to
more durable items, without sacrificing performance.
The mechanical performance of hemp-based bioplastics is attributed to the strong cellulose fibers
present in the hemp plant. Cellulose, being a natural polymer, imparts superior strength to the
material, especially when processed correctly through methods like alkaline treatment and cross-
linking .These treatments further enhance the alignment of cellulose fibers, improving their load-
bearing capabilities and enabling the material to withstand stress more effectively.

Moreover, the mechanical properties of hemp-based bioplastics are comparable to those of

commonly used petroleum-based plastics, such as polyethylene and polypropylene, which are
often used for packaging. This makes hemp-derived materials highly competitive in terms of
mechanical performance, ensuring that they can meet the rigorous demands of industries that rely
on high-performance plastics while offering significant environmental benefits, such as
biodegradability and reduced reliance on fossil fuels (Miller, (2019))

In summary, the mechanical properties of hemp-based bioplastics, such as high tensile strength
and elasticity, make them suitable for use in a wide variety of applications. Their ability to
withstand physical stress and retain structural integrity ensures that they can be used as a
sustainable alternative to traditional, petroleum-based plastics in industries ranging from
packaging to medical supplies

3.2 Thermal Stability Thermal analysis of hemp cellulose bioplastics reveals stability across a
broad temperature range, making them suitable for applications exposed to heat. Chen . (2020)
found that hemp-derived films maintain their structural integrity up to 250°C, which is sufficient
for most disposable applications. This thermal stability expands the potential uses of hemp
bioplastics in products that may encounter varying environmental conditions.

3.3 Biodegradability Biodegradability is a critical property for environmentally sustainable

materials. Hemp-based bioplastics degrade rapidly in both soil and marine environments,
contrasting sharply with petroleum-based plastics, which can persist for hundreds of years.
Studies by Gonzalez et al. (2019) and Ahmed et al. (2020) showed that hemp-based materials
degrade almost completely within six months in natural conditions, highlighting their potential to
alleviate long-term pollution issues.(Chen W. &., 2020)

4. Comparative Analysis: Hemp-Based vs. Conventional Materials

Comparative studies illustrate the environmental and functional advantages of hemp-based

materials over conventional petroleum-based plastics and synthetic hydrogels. Jones et al. (2021)
conducted an analysis showing that producing hemp bioplastics consumes significantly less
energy and generates fewer greenhouse gas emissions than traditional plastic production
processes. This lower carbon footprint underscores hemp’s potential as a more sustainable
option. (Jones M. L., 2021)

Hemp-based hydrogels also outperform synthetic hydrogels in terms of biocompatibility and

water retention. Kumar et al. (2020) noted that hemp hydrogels exhibit improved
biocompatibility, which is essential for medical applications. Additionally, hemp hydrogels’ high
water absorption and retention capabilities make them suitable for applications in agriculture,
where soil moisture preservation is vital. (Kumar R. C., 2020)
5. Challenges and Future Potential

Despite the potential benefits, several challenges hinder the large-scale adoption of hemp-based
bioplastics and hydrogels. One of the primary barriers is the cost of cellulose extraction and
processing, which remains higher than traditional plastic production. Smith et al. (2019) propose
that advancements in cellulose extraction technology and increased demand could lower
production costs over time, making hemp bioplastics more economically competitive.

Future research could also explore chemical modifications to enhance the properties of hemp-
based materials, such as blending hemp cellulose with other biopolymers for enhanced
durability. According to Ahmed et al. (2020), these enhancements could allow hemp-based
materials to expand into sectors beyond packaging, including automotive and electronics. (Smith
R. &., 2019.)

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