Raphaele Malheiro

Bio-based materials help reduce the consumption of non-renewable resources, contributing to the development of sustainable construction. Industrial Hemp Concrete (IHC), which uses hemp stalk (HS) as an aggregate and a lime-based binder, is a bio-based material with various applications. This research developed a new hybrid composite in order to improve the mechanical strength and durability of hemp concrete, with the incorporation of sugarcane bagasse (SCB) as an aggregate, a resource of a renewable origin that is abundant in several countries. Different formulations were used, which were molded and pressed manually, evaluating their cohesion and compactness. The performance of the developed hybrid composite was measured considering mechanical, thermal, and durability properties. The compression test results showed an increase of 19–24% for composites with 75% hemp and 25% SCB. Thermal conductivity and thermal resistance coefficients were also improved, reaching 0.098 (W/m °C) and 0.489 (m2 °C/W), respectively. This aggregate combination also showed the lowest water absorption coefficient (reducing by 35%) and the best performance in durability tests compared to IHC. The resistance to freeze–thaw is highlighted, increasing 400%. The main reason is the influence of the SCB addition because the short and thin fiber form helps to maintain the physical integrity of the composite by filling the spaces between the hemp aggregates.