Research was performed into the use of hemp shive as a fast-growing and carbon-storing agricultural waste material in the production of particleboard for the construction industry. Hemp shives were acquired and prepared for board production with the use of milling and sieving to reach two target groups with 0.5 mm to 2 mm and 2 mm to 5.6 mm particle size ranges. The cold pressing method was used to produce hemp boards with Kleiberit urea formaldehyde resin as a binder. The boards were made as 19 mm thick single-layer parts with a density range of 300 ± 30 kg/m³, which qualifies them as low-density boards. Exploratory samples were made using milled hemp fibers with higher density. Additional components such as color pigments and wood finishes were added to test improved features over raw board samples. Tests were performed to determine moisture contents, density range, structural properties, and water absorption amounts. Produced board bending strength reached 2.4 MPa for the coarser particle group and thermal conductivity of 0.057 ± 0.002 W/(mK). The results were compared with existing materials used in the industry or in the development stage to indicate options of developed board applications as indoor insulation material in the construction industry.

In this research, agricultural residue of seed hemp variety “Adzelvieši” was used to create hemp particleboard samples. Hemp was grown in three experimental fields where it was observed that after seed harvesting, 3.5 tonnes of hemp stems per hectare remained. The plants were processed with milling, cutting, and sieving equipment. Moisture content and particle size distribution were observed throughout raw material processing. Hemp boards were produced using the cold pressing method with 10% urea formaldehyde resin as the binder. The boards were made as 20 mm thick single-layer parts with a density range of 220 ± 30 kg/m³ and porosity of 86%. Board structural analysis was performed using optical microscopy and scanning electron microscopy methods. Mechanical strength was determined by performing bending strength, internal bond strength, and screw withdrawal tests. The thermal conductivity reached 0.047 ± 0.008 W/(mK). The results were compared with industrially produced hemp shive boards and materials in the developmental or production stage. The feasibility for the experimental production cycle proposed in the study is discussed.