Monoextruded hemp composite board

Abstract

A mono-extruded hemp composite board (EHB) is provided. By combining hemp feedstocks with virgin and/or recycled binder materials and subsequently extruding them into an extrudate sheet, an environmentally friendly alternative to tradition construction materials is created. Secondary feedstocks and waste products from other production streams may be added during the extrusion process to enhance the physical characteristics of the extrudate sheet in addition to reducing the raw material costs and creating a more environmentally friendly construction material. The extrudate sheet produced using such materials is structurally superior to traditional construction materials due to the structural characteristics of dispersed hemp feedstocks; the complete encapsulation of hemp feedstocks in the binder material; and the lower hygroscopic and higher pest and mold resistance properties of hemp feedstocks. A downstream extrusion arrangement may be used to pattern the extrudate sheet and/or create molded shapes that are difficult to achieve in traditional construction materials, increasing the customization potential of final EHB products relative to traditional construction materials.