MICRO- AND NANOPARTICLES FROM HEMP SHIVES AND HEMP CELLULOSE IN PAPERMAKING

Nano- and microparticles were produced from hemp shives and hemp cellulose obtained thereof, using the thermocatalytic mechanical destruction method. The partially destructed material, at concentrations of 8-9%, was dispersed in water medium in a ball mill or ground without the presence of water in a ball mill (similar to 15 h). In the first case, a gel-like dispersion, which contained nanoparticles and microparticles, was obtained. In the second case, microparticle powder (from hemp shives) was obtained. The obtained materials were used as fillers and coatings in paper sheets. The air resistance and mechanical properties of paper sheets were investigated. It has been established that the nano/microparticle fillers improve the mechanical properties and air resistance of paper sheets. The properties of paper are improved also by coatings made from nanoparticle gels on both sides of paper sheets. Therefore, the nano/microparticle fillers and coatings obtained from hemp shives and hemp cellulose can be used in papermaking, improving the properties of paper sheets.