Hemp is a subspecies of the plant Cannabis sativa. Hemp differs from other subspecies of Cannabis sativa as it contains no more than 0.3% Δ9-tetrahydrocannabidiol (Δ9-THC), the main compound that causes psychotropic or euphoric effects in marijuana. The hemp plant has been manipulated and cultivated to be used in a multitude of settings since as early as the Holocene era. In ancient times, hemp was used as fibers for fabric clothing, a food crop, and to improve symptoms from illnesses. Anecdotal evidence and literature have shown there are many applications of hemp for textiles, home insulation, biodegradable plastics, and biodiesels, to name a few. Petroleum coke (petcoke) is a byproduct of refining petroleum products. Due to the high levels of sulfur and heavy metals in petcoke, its uses are limited. Here we report on adding industrial hemp products to petcoke in an effort to dilute the sulfur and heavy metals content in petcoke as well as promote further fractionation of petcoke into combustible liquids. Hemp components were mixed with petcoke and calcined. Solid and liquid products were compared to controls of hemp and petcoke only. Results were obtained by ICP-MS, GC-MS, and a sulfur analyzer.

Treating petroleum coke with industrial hemp

Where thousands of chemistry professionals meet to share ideas and advance scientific and technical knowledge. Spring 2023 abstracts, posters, and presentations will launch at the end of March.

ACS Spring 2023

The official archive and repository for all ACS Meetings & Expositions abstracts and select posters or presentations.