Hempoxies 43

The Hempoxies 43 (H43) system is a multi-scale, hierarchically engineered structural composite composed of several key bio-based and technical ingredients, each serving a critical role in the material's structural integrity, circularity, and multifunctionality. The matrix phase (Level 1) is a ternary vitrimer network consisting of **epoxidized hempseed oil** (40.0%), which serves as the bio-based backbone; **furfuryl glycidyl ether** (20.0%), added to provide essential aromatic rigidity; and **sebacic acid** (22.0%), which acts as a curing agent and source of hydroxyl groups. This network is activated by a **zinc acetylacetonate catalyst** (4.5 phr) that enables the associative bond exchange reactions (catalyzed transesterification) required for self-healing and recyclability. The interphase (Level 2) utilizes **epoxidized lignin** (5.0%) as a reactive coating on the carbon fiber surface to create a dynamic chemical bridge that redistributes stress and enables interfacial healing. Primary structural reinforcement (Level 3) is provided by **continuous PAN-based carbon fiber** for high load-bearing capacity, supplemented by **hemp-derived cellulose nanocrystals (CNCs)** (1.0%) that increase the surface area for matrix interaction and assist in blunting micro-cracks. The advanced multifunctional layer (Level 4) incorporates **Hemp-Derived Carbon Nanosheets (HDCNS)** (2.0%), which are 2D nanocarbons that establish an electrical percolation network for conductivity and EMI shielding while also providing thermal management and crack deflection at the nanoscale. Finally, the micron-scale filler phase (Level 5) consists of **hemp biochar** (3.0%), which provides UV stability to protect the matrix from photodegradation, acts as a heat sink for thermal protection during curing, and offers nucleation sites to enhance the overall crystallinity of the polymer matrix.