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Project name: Biodegradable geotextile composites based on hemp and bentonite

Project Acronym:

Project type (funder/program): Transfer Technology Program (Innovation Fund)

Project no.: TT1159

Duration: 01.03.2024-28.02.2025.

Project website:       -

Participating Scientific Research Organizations:

  • University of Belgrade - Institute of Chemistry, Technology and Metallurgy (ICTM) – lead SRO

Principal investigator: Jasmina Dostanić, Senior Research Associate

Team members: Aleksandra Milutinović-Nikolić (retiree), Slavenka Lukic (retiree), Predrag Banković (Principal Research Fellow), Nataša Jović-Jovičić (Principal Research Fellow), Marija Ajduković (viši naučni saradnik).

The project encompasses an innovative eco-friendly approach to geotextiles, utilizing hemp-based nonwoven material (NW), bentonite (a clay rich in minerals from the smectite group), and a biodegradable adhesive, in the creation of a geotextile composite. The preparation process for the hemp-based NW involves obtaining fine fibers, forming a basic layer, and fabricating a compact NW using the biodegradable adhesive. The project emphasizes using fibers derived from renewable resources like hemp, which are suitable for applications requiring shorter-term use, where biodegradability is a beneficial feature. The formation of composite consists of: (i) preparation of  suspension of bentonite in biodegradable adhesive; (ii) continuous uniform applying of suspension onto to the surface of hemp-based NW; (iii) drying (iv) repeating the steps (i) and (ii). The target market includes geotextile applications that prioritize environmental and health protection, such as erosion control, temporary ground engineering constructions, short-term filtration or drainage, and agro-mulching. The sorption properties of obtained composites are tested for the removal of inorganic and organic pollutants.