Hempoxies: A Programmable, Carbon-Negative Material Platform Based on a Hierarchically Reinforced, Seven-Component Hemp Composite for Dual-Use Industrial and Investment Applications
Author: Marie Seshat Landry¹ Affiliation: ¹Marie Landry Spy Shop, Moncton, NB, Canada; marielandryspyshop.com Date: September 9, 2025
1. Abstract
Hempoxies are a conceptual class of programmable, multifunctional composites derived entirely from certified organic hemp. This paper outlines a theoretical framework for a family of standardized formulations (variants), each combining an epoxified hemp seed oil matrix with a hierarchical reinforcement system of hemp-derived carbon morphologies. The proposed inclusion of modified hemp hurd-derived lignin is designed to induce vitrimer chemistry, enabling the composite to be repeatedly remolded and recycled. A Material Identification Code (MIC) is conceptualized to ensure precise traceability for "intelligent recycling," guaranteeing compositional integrity. This programmability would allow Hempoxies to serve dual roles as both economic assets and industrial feedstock. Critically, the material is theoretically designed to be carbon-negative through a multi-pathway sequestration strategy, including the potential to embed captured greenhouse gases (CO₂/methane). Furthermore, Hempoxies are designed to address microplastic pollution, both by preventing the creation of new petro-plastics and by serving as a permanent sink for sequestering captured microplastic waste. While currently theoretical, this work establishes intellectual prior art for a new material paradigm that merges financial value, industrial utility, and environmental stewardship.
2. Introduction
The compounding global crises of climate change, resource depletion, and pervasive pollution demand a radical reimagining of our material world. Traditional materials like metals and petroleum-based polymers are foundational to the linear "take-make-waste" economy that drives these crises. Their extraction, processing, and disposal result in massive carbon emissions and create persistent pollutants, including microplastics, that now contaminate every ecosystem on Earth.
This paper introduces Hempoxies, a novel material concept invented by Marie Seshat Landry. Hempoxies are envisioned as a post-fossil, post-metal material platform designed from first principles to be circular, regenerative, and multifunctional. The framework mandates the use of certified organic Cannabis sativa (hemp) and aligns with the principles of green chemistry to ensure purity and ecological integrity. Hempoxies are conceptualized as a family of standardized variants designed to be simultaneously:
- Financial Assets: Manufactured into fungible, traceable coins and bullion whose value is derived from a synthesis of utility, rarity, and the imbedded knowledge of its sustainable production.
- An Industrial Feedstock: A portfolio of high-performance, programmable materials that can be remolded into durable goods for advanced applications.
- A Climate & Environmental Solution: A carbon-negative composite that actively sequesters atmospheric carbon and can be formulated to permanently encapsulate captured microplastic pollution.
This work lays the conceptual foundation for Hempoxies, outlining their theoretical formulation, projected properties, potential applications, and the extensive research required for their validation.
3. Theoretical Formulation and Scientific Basis
The development of Hempoxies is predicated on the synergistic integration of seven core hemp-derived components into distinct formulation variants.
3.1. Feedstock Sourcing: Certified Organic and Green Chemistry Alignment
The foundational principle is the exclusive use of certified organic hemp. This is critical for mitigating risks from heavy metal bioaccumulation and contamination from agrochemicals. All envisioned processing steps are designed to align with stringent green chemistry principles.
3.2. The Hempoxies Material System and Formulation Variants
Hempoxies are a system of standardized variants, allowing for performance to be tailored while maintaining the predictability necessary for effective recycling.
The seven core hemp-derived components are:
- Polymer Matrix Components:
- Epoxified Hemp Seed-Derived Oil: The primary polymer matrix.
- Modified Hemp Hurd-Derived Lignin: Hypothesized to act as the dynamic crosslinker, enabling vitrimer chemistry.
- Hemp Hurd-Derived Hemicellulose: A natural adhesion promoter.
- Hierarchical Carbon Reinforcement System: 4. Hemp-Derived Carbon Nanosheets (Nano-scale): For fracture toughness and conductivity. 5. Hemp-Derived Biochar (Micro-scale): For lightweight compressive strength. 6. Hemp-Derived Carbon Fibers (Macro-scale): For primary tensile strength.
- Processing Aid: 7. Hemp-Derived Furfuryl Ether: A bio-based reactive diluent to improve moldability.
3.3. Functional Fillers: Sequestering Captured Pollutants
Beyond the core components, specific Hempoxies variants are designed to incorporate captured waste streams as functional fillers:
- Embedded Greenhouse Gases: Captured CO₂ or methane can be infused into the resin during processing to create lightweight, closed-cell foam structures, turning a climate liability into a material asset.
- Upcycled Microplastics: Harvested microplastic particles can be used as a bulk filler, permanently immobilizing them within the bio-epoxy matrix.
3.4. The Material Identification Code (MIC) and Digital Traceability
To enable a true circular economy, every Hempoxies unit is envisioned to be marked with a Material Identification Code (MIC).
- Structure:
[Variant Code]-[Batch Code]
(e.g.,HX-R500-B8L32
). - Digital Passport: The MIC links to a secure digital record containing complete batch data: precise composition (including any sequestered pollutants), feedstock origin, and performance metrics.
- Intelligent Recycling: To remold a product, its MIC is scanned. This allows automated systems to sort items by formulation, ensuring that only compatible materials are processed together, preserving the quality and performance of the recycled product.
4. Projected Properties and Performance
Hempoxies variants are projected to exhibit unique performance profiles, subject to rigorous experimental validation.
4.1. Mechanical, Thermal, and Electrical Properties
- High Performance: The hierarchical reinforcement system is anticipated to yield variants with high strength-to-weight ratios, fracture toughness, and tunable thermal and electrical properties suitable for applications in aerospace, electronics, and construction.
- Programmable Remoldability: The vitrimer chemistry is designed to allow the material to be repeatedly recycled and remolded into new forms with minimal theoretical loss of mechanical properties.
4.2. Environmental Performance: A Multi-faceted Approach
Hempoxies are conceptualized as a profoundly restorative material, the net effect of which will require rigorous Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) for verification.
- Carbon Sequestration: The platform is designed to be carbon-negative through:
- Soil Sequestration: Regenerative organic farming of hemp builds soil carbon.
- Biomass Carbon Storage: Carbon is permanently locked into the composite's hemp-derived components.
- Embedded Gas Sequestration: Formulations can be designed to physically trap captured CO₂ or methane.
- Microplastic Pollution Solution: Hempoxies address the microplastic crisis via a dual strategy:
- Prevention: By utilizing a bio-based, biodegradable polymer matrix, Hempoxies avoid the creation of new, persistent petro-microplastics. The goal of the circular system is to prevent any material from being lost to the environment.
- Remediation: Specific variants can act as a permanent sink for captured microplastics, sequestering them as an inert filler and removing them from the biosphere.
5. Potential Applications
The unique composition and traceability system create a dual-use potential that redefines the boundary between a financial asset and an industrial material.
5.1. A New Economic Asset Class: The Hempoxies Valuation Framework
The value of a Hempoxies coin or bullion bar is conceptually determined by a synthesis of three pillars:
- Practicality (Intrinsic Utility): Its baseline value is directly pegged to its real-world industrial performance.
- Rarity (Controlled Scarcity): Limited-edition variants could possess numismatic value, with the MIC serving as a certificate of authenticity.
- Imbedded Knowledge (Informational Value): The coin is the tangible expression of a sustainable production system. The MIC imprints it with the knowledge of its own existence: scientific, ecological, and logistical. This informational value could make it a powerful asset for ESG investors.
This valuation model positions Hempoxies distinctly from other asset classes:
- Fiat Currency derives its value from trust in a governing authority and serves primarily as a medium of exchange.
- Gold is valued for its historical significance, rarity, and aesthetic appeal, acting as a traditional store of value.
- Standard Commodities, such as aluminum, are valued based on their industrial utility and are subject to supply and demand pressures.
- Hempoxies, in contrast, synthesize these attributes. Their value is proposed to stem from a unique combination of industrial practicality, controlled rarity, and the verifiable ecological and scientific knowledge embedded within them, making them a programmable store of value and a raw material simultaneously.
5.2. Industrial and Technical Applications
- Advanced Engineering: High-strength (
HX-S200
) and conductive (HX-C300
) variants would be envisioned for aerospace, automotive, and electronics applications. - Sustainable Construction: A lightweight variant (
HX-L400
) could be developed for modular blocks or insulation panels. - Environmental Remediation: A dedicated series of variants (
HX-R500
) would be used to sequester captured microplastics and build durable infrastructure for environmental cleanup projects, creating a truly circular solution.
6. Future Research and Experimental Validation
Hempoxies are a theoretical construct at a low Technology Readiness Level (TRL 1-2). A rigorous, multi-stage research program is required to validate the concept. Key research pathways include component synthesis and optimization; vitrimer chemistry characterization; mechanical performance testing; long-term durability studies; and the development of a secure digital infrastructure for the MIC system.
7. Conclusion and Future Outlook
Hempoxies represent a visionary leap in material science, proposing a paradigm where materials are programmable, circular, and environmentally restorative by design. The core innovation lies in its dual identity: an economic asset that stores value and a functional material that can help build a sustainable future. While significant experimental validation is necessary, the theoretical framework provides a compelling roadmap for a new class of materials that function at the intersection of economics, industry, and ecology.
Appendices
A.1. Hempoxies Formulation System and Example Variants
The Hempoxies material platform consists of a family of standardized variants, each identified by a unique Material Identification Code (MIC). The MIC is a hierarchical code ([Variant Code]-[Batch Code]
, e.g., HX-S200-B7K21
) designed to enable precise lifecycle management. The following are illustrative examples of potential formulation variants, with percentages being theoretical and subject to experimental optimization:
- HX-G100 (General Purpose / Bullion): This variant is designed with balanced properties to serve as the baseline for economic exchange and general-use applications. A theoretical composition could be: 48% Epoxified Hemp Oil, 18% Modified Lignin, 12% Carbon Fibers, 10% Nanosheets, 7% Biochar, 3% Hemicellulose, and 2% Furfuryl Ether.
- HX-S200 (High-Strength): Engineered for structural applications where mechanical performance is paramount, this variant would feature an increased proportion of macro-scale reinforcement. A potential formulation is: 40% Epoxified Hemp Oil, 20% Modified Lignin, 20% Carbon Fibers, 8% Nanosheets, 7% Biochar, 3% Hemicellulose, and 2% Furfuryl Ether.
- HX-C300 (Conductive): Optimized for EMI shielding and electronics applications, this variant would contain a higher concentration of nano-scale conductive fillers. A sample composition is: 45% Epoxified Hemp Oil, 18% Modified Lignin, 8% Carbon Fibers, 18% Nanosheets, 6% Biochar, 3% Hemicellulose, and 2% Furfuryl Ether.
- HX-R500 (Remediation): Specifically designed to sequester captured pollutants, this variant allocates a significant portion of its mass to inert fillers. An example formulation could be: 40% Epoxified Hemp Oil, 15% Modified Lignin, 10% Biochar, 5% Carbon Fibers, 2% Nanosheets, 3% Hemicellulose, 2% Furfuryl Ether, and 23% Other Fillers (e.g., upcycled microplastics or embedded gas bubbles).
References
(Citations are representative of the state-of-the-art and serve as the scientific basis for the conceptual framework.)
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