Hempcrete Materials Research - (Piovesan)

Posting Number Division School of Engineering and Computing Department Col. of Engineering & Business Location Erie, Pa Position Summary As a student research assistant on this Pennsylvania Manufacturing Innovation-funded project, you will participate in the development and characterization of hempcrete and hemp-based construction materials intended for use under demanding thermal and environmental conditions. The research will focus on understanding how the physical characteristics of hemp, material formulation, moisture absorption, and exposure to elevated temperatures affect hempcrete performance. Students will prepare experimental specimens, characterize hemp feedstocks, conduct controlled thermal and moisture testing, analyze experimental data, and assist in identifying material combinations that provide improved resistance to heat while maintaining desirable water-absorption and insulation characteristics. This interdisciplinary project combines materials science, sustainable construction, thermal sciences, manufacturing, and experimental engineering. Students will gain hands-on experience with sustainable building materials and may contribute to technical reports, conference presentations, peer-reviewed publications, and potentially patentable innovations. Career Readiness Learning Objectives Critical Thinking – Student researchers will review scientific and technical literature, identify relevant material parameters, develop test methods, analyze experimental results, compare alternative hempcrete formulations, and determine which material characteristics most strongly influence thermal and moisture performance. Communication – Student researchers will develop technical writing and presentation skills by maintaining laboratory documentation, preparing figures and data summaries, contributing to project reports and manuscripts, and presenting results during project meetings and research events. Teamwork – Students will work as part of an interdisciplinary research team involving engineering, science, manufacturing, and sustainable-materials applications. Students may also be expected to present findings from their work at Celebrate Gannon or another appropriate undergraduate research venue. Key Responsibilities Hemp Feedstock Characterization Characterize hemp hurd and other hemp-based raw materials used in hempcrete formulations. Evaluate characteristics such as particle size, particle-size distribution, bulk density, moisture content, morphology, and water absorption. Investigate how hemp source, particle dimensions, processing, and preparation affect material performance. Prepare and document hemp samples using controlled drying, conditioning, screening, or other preprocessing methods. Assist in identifying hemp characteristics associated with improved thermal resistance and moisture-management properties. Hempcrete Formulation and Specimen Preparation Prepare hempcrete specimens using controlled combinations of hemp, binder, additives, and water. Investigate the effects of hemp-to-binder ratio, water-to-binder ratio, material density, compaction, particle size, and other formulation parameters. Fabricate specimens using standardized molds and repeatable laboratory procedures. Measure specimen mass, dimensions, density, curing conditions, and other relevant physical properties. Maintain accurate records of material batches and specimen preparation conditions. High-Temperature Testing Assist with controlled exposure of hempcrete specimens to elevated temperatures. Study how temperature and exposure duration affect hempcrete structure and material properties. Record specimen temperatures using thermocouples, infrared measurement systems, or other appropriate instrumentation. Evaluate dimensional changes, mass loss, cracking, discoloration, degradation, and other observable effects following thermal exposure. Compare the thermal response of different hempcrete formulations and hemp feedstocks. Assist i…

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