Economic Analysis of Medical Cannabis Greenhouse Production for Cbd in Greece

A field experiment was conducted in the Agricultural University of Athens in order to evaluate the effect of different greenhouse cover materials on the CBD yield. Cannabis (Cannabis sativa L var. Futura 75) plants were grown in three different greenhouses, each constructed with different polyethylene films by PLASTIKA KRITIS S.A. The overall CBD yield per greenhouse was estimated once the cannabis buds matured. Following this evaluation, a business plan was formed for the greenhouse whose cover materials prompted the highest CBD yield. Out of the three greenhouses (GH1, GH2, and GH3), the highest CBD yield was reported on GH2. Two different cover materials, with different properties, were used for the construction of GH2, EVO 7507 AC and EVO 7526 AC. The results indicate that in a five-year span, cannabis production in greenhouses built with the aforementioned materials, could result in a Net Profit of more than 25.000.000 € ha-1. In conclusion, greenhouse cover materials should always be considered in cannabis greenhouse production. Even though greenhouse cannabis production for CBD oil seems to be a potentially profitable business in Greece, selecting appropriate cover materials can significantly increase producer’s profit.

Preparation and Evaluation of the Polyethylene Film Deposited With a Multilayer Graphene Membrane for Tensile Properties

This study aims to improve the tensile properties of the polyethylene film deposited with a multilayer graphene membrane, in order to establish the understanding of the influence of the methane to hydrogen ratio on the tensile properties of the multilayer graphene membrane. Multilayer graphene membranes were prepared using the chemical vapor deposition method. Four types of multilayer graphene membranes were prepared with different ratios of methane to hydrogen before depositing a membrane on the polyethylene film. Experiments showed that the tensile strength of the polyethylene films with multilayer graphene deposition increased 7 times and the Young’s modulus 5 times more than that of pure polyethylene films, when the ratio of methane to hydrogen was set to 35/100 sccm. A compromise between hydrogen and methane mixture is required to achieve uniform growth of graphene. Insufficient hydrogen cannot activate the surface bound carbon that is necessary for continuous growth. Continuous and well-defined multilayer graphene was synthesized when the ratio of methane to hydrogen reached up a proper value.

Polyethylene Films Coated with Antibacterial and Antiviral Layers Based on CO2 Extracts of Raspberry Seeds, of Pomegranate Seeds and of Rosemary

The main goal of the work was to create an internal coating based on super critical CO2 extracts of raspberry seeds, pomegranate seeds and rosemary that could be active against chosen bacterial strains. Additionally, the synergistic effect of these substances in the coating were then analysed. The next goal of the work was to demonstrate the antiviral activity of the coatings against phi6 bacteriophage particles (airborne viruses surrogate). The results of the study indicated that three coatings containing a mixture of extracts showed bacteriolytic activity against S. aureus cells and bacteriostatic activity against E. coli and B. subtilis strains. Two coatings showed bacteriolytic activity against a P. syringae strain. As a result of the experiments, a synergistic effect was noted in the active additives/compounds in the coatings. These coatings may be used as internal coatings for packaging films to extend the shelf life of selected food products. All seven coatings may also be used as external coatings with antiviral activity, as these coatings demonstrated significant effects on the phi6 phage, selected as a surrogate for airborne viruses, e.g., coronaviruses. It could be concluded that coatings I–VII will also show antiviral effects on SARS-CoV-2 particles.

Evaluation of LDPE Degradation Under Controlled Composting

The compost burial test was performed to determine the degradation of commercially available low-density polyethylene in natural compost for a period of six months. Biodegradability of polyethylene films in compost was monitored using scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Energy dispersive X-Ray, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), X-Ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA), differential scanning calorimetry (DSC), and weight reduction analysis. After six months of compost exposure, a major change over the surface of LDPE was observed. SEM images clearly showed the exfoliation and cracks on the film leading to degradation. The other analysis also showed a change in the thermal properties and crystallinity of the LDPE films. The composting method could prove to be the reliable and ecological method of degrading plastic waste without hindering the natural ecosystem.