Structural Correlation Coefficient for Polymer Structural Composites—Reinforcement with Hemp and Glass Fibre

This article provides a multifaceted analysis of the feasibility, purposefulness, and legitimacy of the alternative use of industrial hemp (HF) fibres processed into fabrics and mats as multilayer reinforcement in polymer structural composites, potentially replacing glass fibres (GF) in various industries, including the production of recreational vessels (yachts and motorboats) and other floating products (buoys/floats/pontoons, etc.). Based on the results of physical, mechanical, and morphological tests of new polymer structural composites HFRP vs. GFRP and a comparative analysis of their properties, a structural correlation coefficient for HFRP was determined with respect to GFRP [W_K = 1.66 (6), provided that the grammage of reinforcement of the skin/shell of the selected floating object/structure is comparable]. This article presents the possibility of meeting stringent environmental protection requirements for the future safe recycling and/or disposal of products and their post-production waste manufactured from HFRP at the end of their service life. Fire tests of these new materials have shown that it is possible to use them completely (almost 100%) in the near future, mainly through energy recovery.