Basics of hemp fiber and their relation to ropes

Hemp fibers also known as sambe are obtained from the stalks of cannabis sativa at the onset of flowering. They are long with high cellulose content thus highly alluring to the rope industries. Hemp fiber products are preferred by most people due to their high tensile strength and resistance to mold. They occur in different locations or strata in the cannabis sativa stalk bringing about difference in the types of hemp and rope uses.

Introduction

Hemp fibers are derived from the female plant of cannabis sativa. It is a bast fiber plant comparable to jute, kenat, flax and ramie. They are composed of fifty percent cellulose, twenty percent hemicellulose, thirty percent lignin and negligible amount of wax.  Hemp fibers are harvested by combined harvesters then left outside for pectin to decompose. Raw pectin is then taken to industries where it is modified to serve numerous purposes. Other than making clothing and shoes, hemp fibers are mostly used for making rope.  However the portion of the stalk from which the bast fibers are obtained determines the types of hemp and rope uses. 

Features of hemp ropes

The types of hemp and ropes uses rely mainly on these distinct characteristics of the hemp fibers

  1. Bio degradable- With the growing concern to conserve environment synthetic fibers is getting replaced by the natural fibers. Hemp fibers do not tamper with the eco system after being disposed neither do they emit poisonous gases when exposed to adverse environs.
  2. High tensile strength- Due to their long and sturdy fibers, hemp ropes have a high maximum mass bearing. They can hold very weighty materials without snapping, this makes them a priority for most textile industries.
  3. Resistant to mold- Mold has proven to be the most destructive organism to most fibers. However hemp ropes have high resistance to mold perhaps due to their relatively high wax content which inhibits mold growth.
  4. Resistant to moist environments- The fibers thrive and are unaltered by water thus hemp ropes are used in nautical operations

Types of hemp ropes

The types of hemp and ropes uses depend mainly on the type of hemp fibers used to make them. The first type is the primary hemp fibers; they are obtained from the outer strata of the cannabis sativa stalk. They have high cellulose content therefore most valuable. They are used for making composites, strong reinforced ropes and special pulp. The second type is derived from the inner portion of the stalk. It has shorter fibers and high lignin content making it less valuable. It is used to make clothing and light weight ropes.

Uses of hemp ropes

Hemp ropes have been called ropes of a hundred uses due to their vast and varied utilities. They are used in mountain climbing due to their high tensile strength, for dropping anchors in small boats due to their resistance to water and for horsemanship. Other uses of hemp rope include fishing, shipping and tethering. The Ropes by Ravenox have been investigated for many centuries and are being improved for better service.

Conclusion

Hemp ropes are highly durable fibers of extraordinary tensile strength. They are derived from cannabis sativa and bear properties that favor their use in textile industries. They occur in two types based on the fiber from which they are obtained. Hemp ropes are used in various economic and social practices.

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