Coextruded hemp composite board

Abstract

A co-extruded hemp composite board (CHB) is provided. By combining hemp feedstocks with virgin and/or recycled binder materials and subsequently coextruding them into a coextruded extrudate sheet, an environmentally friendly alternative to traditional construction materials is created. Secondary feedstocks and waste products from other production streams may be added during the coextrusion process to enhance the physical characteristics of the coextruded extrudate sheet as well to reduce waste/cost of production and create a more environmentally friendly construction material. The coextruded extrudate sheet produced using such materials possesses superior physical properties when compared 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 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 finished CHB products relative to traditional construction materials.