Abstract: Embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to methods of removing lignin from a material by associating the material with a deep eutectic solvent (DES) that includes at least one hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and at least one hydrogen bond donor (HBD). The methods of the present disclosure may also include one or more steps of heating the solvent-associated material, separating the material from the solvent, drying the material, washing the material, and/or processing the material. Additional embodiments of the present disclosure pertain to delignified materials that are formed in accordance with the methods of the present disclosure.

Abstract: A method for wet processing of hemp fibers for commercial use is provided. The method includes steps of loading raw hemp fibers with water into a vessel and heating the contents of the vessel. The method also includes the addition of a sequence of certain chemical compounds, which include a scouring agent, a wetting agent, a caustic compound, an acidic compound, a lubricant, and a softening agent. The water may be heated to boiling during the process to aid in opening up the fibers during processing. Peroxide is not utilized in the process. The process produces commercially viable quantities of hemp fibers that are soft, clean, and easily spinnable while maintaining fiber burst strength.

Abstract: A method for wet processing of hemp fibers for commercial use is provided. The method includes steps of loading raw hemp fibers with water into a vessel and heating the contents of the vessel. The method also includes the addition of a sequence of certain chemical compounds, which include a scouring agent, a wetting agent, a caustic compound, an acidic compound, a lubricant, and a softening agent. The water may be heated to boiling during the process to aid in opening up the fibers during processing. Peroxide is not utilized in the process. The process produces commercially viable quantities of hemp fibers that are soft, clean, and easily spinnable while maintaining fiber burst strength.

Abstract: A plant stalk decortication apparatus and method are provided. The apparatus includes an alignment system in which a series of rotating spindles with blades attached to the spindles are positioned over a bed on which plant stalks are longitudinally aligned and conveyed by the blades. The apparatus also includes rollers and breakers downstream of the blades for crushing and breaking the plant stalks to cause the bast fibers and hurd to separate. The apparatus also includes a suction chamber that separates loose bast fiber from hurd chips formed by the breakers.