Our Technology & Process
Experimentation with Materials
By Doc Hudson
One of the most important aspects of developing technology to scale responsible materials manufacturing is to understand the inputs. Like how a Chef would inspect and experiment with new ingredients to create the perfect dish. Materials fabrication is no different. The above pictures demonstrate this experimentation process. The pieces of lumber in the pictures are hand pressed mixtures of adhesive and raw(not decorticated) hand broken fiber. This was done in order to identify a baseline for development of the entire production process. Fiber that is processed and put through our equipment will be more uniform in shape and position, creating these pieces by hand establishes the least efficient process and will be our starting point towards the most efficient. The process of establishing the methods of formation as well as the mixture are important for determining the most efficient way of scaling production from one board at a time every 8 hours to 100 boards every 7-10 mins. This critical step has also given us some important data in other areas of lumber formation. The next step will be determining our strength baseline based on this mixture.
These pieces are a way of also demonstrating long fibers in contrast to the short fiber boat that was our first experiment. With specific hemp strains, we will be able to put much longer fibers in our lumber products. Since hemp fiber is the longest naturally growing fiber in the world, it would only make sense to utilize these properties for stronger, more versatile structural materials.
In this experiment, we again took a sander to it to see how well it would withstand that kind of force. Our sanding showed similar results to our first sample, which was good and also revealed some flaws in our adhesive process which we can correct with the next experiment. Once our machinery is developed and operational, we will have better processes in place for mitigating these errors to ensure the highest quality output.
This experiment has been a crucial step in the overall development of our press technology and demonstrates the viability of our materials for use in structural materials production. With this data we can ascertain that our process and techniques are sound and suitable for the next stage of the DHBL Press System development.
Dimensional Hemp Blend Lumber
ODIN Materials' Dimensional Hemp Blend Lumber (DHBL) is an innovative product designed to transform the construction and building materials industry. Crafted from industrial hemp fibers, DHBL utilizes advanced processing techniques that mimic the cellular structure of natural wood, resulting in a highly durable and sustainable alternative to traditional lumber. Our DHBL is notable for its exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and environmental benefits, including carbon sequestration during its growth cycle. This makes DHBL not only a practical choice for builders and manufacturers looking for reliable and resilient materials but also a forward-thinking solution for those committed to ecological sustainability. The rapid maturity rate of hemp, combined with our state-of-the-art manufacturing process, ensures a consistent and efficient production of lumber, providing a viable and eco-friendly alternative to hardwood and softwood products.
Fiber Blend Pallet Production
ODIN Materials has innovated a sustainable solution in the logistics industry with our pressed hemp pallets, utilizing a blend of hemp fibers that have been finely ground and processed. These pallets are manufactured by compressing the chopped hemp fiber mixture using off-the-shelf (OTS) equipment, optimized for high-density, durable results. The process transforms the fibrous blend into robust, eco-friendly pallets that provide an excellent alternative to traditional wood or plastic pallets. Not only are they lighter and more cost-effective, but they also reduce environmental impact by utilizing hemp, a rapidly renewable resource known for its carbon sequestration capabilities. This makes our hemp pallets not just a practical logistic tool but also a part of a larger sustainability strategy, ideal for businesses aiming to decrease their carbon footprint and enhance their green credentials.
Hempcrete from Production Waste
ODIN Materials adopts a comprehensive approach to sustainability by converting the by-products of our Dimensional Hemp Blend Lumber (DHBL) and pressed hemp pallet manufacturing into hempcrete. The residual hemp fiber, which is a byproduct from the pressing and processing of hemp for these products, is not discarded but instead repurposed. These leftover fibers are mixed with lime and water to form hempcrete, a lightweight, biodegradable building material that provides excellent insulation and moisture regulation properties. This process not only minimizes waste but also enhances the overall sustainability of our production cycle by creating a versatile, eco-friendly material that contributes to healthier building environments. Thus, every part of the hemp plant is utilized, reinforcing our commitment to zero-waste production and advancing environmental conservation in the building industry.
Advanced Materials R&D
At ODIN Materials, our pioneering work in hemp-based materials manufacturing, exemplified by products like Dimensional Hemp Blend Lumber and pressed hemp pallets, is laying the groundwork for more advanced material innovations, such as hemp-based silicon ingots. The techniques developed through our hemp processing operations—particularly our ability to refine and manipulate hemp fibers on a molecular level—have set the stage for exploring the potential of hemp in semiconductor technology. By applying the principles of biomimicry and advanced chemical processing, we are researching ways to convert hemp-derived carbon into a silicon-like material suitable for use in electronic components. This progression from basic building materials to components of high-tech industries exemplifies how sustainable materials like hemp can be catalysts for broader technological advancements, driving forward new applications in areas traditionally dominated by non-renewable resources. This approach not only supports environmental sustainability but also fosters innovation in sectors ranging from construction to electronics, marking a significant step towards a greener and more technologically integrated future.