Hemp UV 3D

70-110 MPa

Tensile strength target using methacrylated CNC, silanized micro-hemp, a stiff matrix, and robust UV + thermal post-cure.

3-6 GPa

Elastic modulus target via optimized filler content, cross-link density, and reactive diluent balance.

≥ 100 °C HDT

UDMA-rich matrices and dual post-cures to reach functional heat resistance for demanding end-use parts.

Our Product

Hemp UV 3D is a UV-curable composite resin line for SLA/DLP/LCD printers. Hemp-derived nanocellulose and bast micro-fibers improve stiffness-to-weight and sustainability without sacrificing printability.

• Two formulation tracks: High-Performance & Bio-Heavier.
• Reinforcement: methacrylated CNC/CNF (~0.5–3 wt%) + silanized micro-hemp (5–15 wt%).
• Future: continuous aligned tow for directional strength.

Why Now

Recent literature supports high filler loadings with proper functionalization and cure strategies, while market pull for greener engineered materials is accelerating across tooling, fixtures, and short-run production.

• Lower petrochemical dependency & improved LCA profiles.
• Functional parts with an eco advantage.
• Eligibility for grants, ESG programs, and industrial adoption.

Nanocellulose Loadings

UV-curable systems with high nanocellulose content are feasible (with solvent exchange and elevated PI levels), enabling substantial reinforcement—with color/Tg trade-offs to manage.

Fiber Preparation

Short bast hemp can yield CNC/CNF (≈5–12 nm diameter, 20–200 nm stacks, high crystallinity) after chemical + mechanical prep and surface functionalization.

Composite Benchmarks

Woven/aligned hemp in thermosets shows flexural strengths ~200 MPa and moduli ~7–8 GPa—guiding upper-bound performance goals.

UDMA/UA + Methacryl-CNC + Micro-Hemp

• Matrix: UDMA + aliphatic UA; IBOA/HDDA tuning.
• Reinforcement: CNC ~1.0–1.6 wt%; micro-hemp ~7–10 wt% (silanized).
• Photopackage: TPO-L ~1.2 % + BAPO ~0.6 %.
• Targets: 600–900 cP; Dp ~140–180 µm; Ec ~8–10 mJ/cm².
• Post-cure: UV + 120 °C thermal ~45 min.

AEHO/UA Hybrid + CNF + Micro-Hemp

• Matrix: Acrylated epoxidized hemp oil + UA.
• Reinforcement: CNF ~1.0 wt%; micro-hemp ~10 wt%.
• Photopackage: BAPO ~1.0 % (tune for opacity).
• Trade-off: Higher bio content & toughness; slightly less stiffness vs A.

SOP-01: Bast Fiber Cleanup & Silanization

1. Alkaline wash (~3 % NaOH, ~70 °C, 60 min); rinse neutral.
2. Peroxide bleach (1–3 % H₂O₂ + base, 50–60 °C, 30–60 min); rinse.
3. Dry <0.1 % moisture; mill 50–200 µm; sieve.
4. ~2–3 % MPS silane; cure ~110 °C for ~1 h; final dry.

SOP-02: CNC/CNF Methacrylation (GMA)

1. Disperse CNC 5–10 wt% in water; cold sonication.
2. pH 4.5–5.0; catalyst (p-TSA/DMAP).
3. GMA 5–20 % on solids; 4–8 h at 50–60 °C (inert).
4. Dialyze; optional solvent exchange; dry to paste/powder.

SOP-03: Compounding & Printing

1. Matrix + diluents @ 40–50 °C; disperse CNC/CNF (high shear).
2. Add micro-hemp; tune viscosity/thixotropy; add PI/inhibitors/defoamer; vacuum degas.
3. Determine Ec/Dp; print (~50 µm start); UV post-cure both sides; thermal bake 100–120 °C for 30–90 min.

Experimental Plan

• CNC/CNF: 0 / ~0.8 / ~1.6 wt%; Micro-hemp: 0 / ~7.5 / ~15 wt%.
• IBOA: ~12 / ~20 / ~28 %; PI: ~0.8 / ~1.2 %; Post-cure: ~80 vs ~120 °C.
• Metrics: tensile, flexural, impact, DMA (Tg/modulus), HDT, water uptake, Ec/Dp, viscosity.

Benchmarks

• UV-curable matrix + high nanocellulose loading (cardanol systems reported).
• Woven/aligned hemp composites: ~200 MPa flexural, ~7–8 GPa modulus.
• PLA/hemp (~20 %) shows strong modulus uplift directionally.

12-Week Pilot

• Materials + lab capability for CNC/CNF & micro-hemp.
• ~10 trial formulations → top 2 with full mechanical/thermal data.
• Printer compatibility & stability verification.

6-Month Scale-Up

• 5–10 kg pilot batches; shelf-life & aging studies.
• Beta partners; feedback loops; documentation & datasheets.
• IP, regulatory, and supply-chain readiness.

Funding & Go-To-Market

• Ask: USD 250,000 pre-seed.
• Use: equipment, materials, personnel, QC, pilot reactor.
• Milestones: prototypes; beta kits; data sheet; market trials.
• Channels: Direct online + distributors; initial SKUs “Rigid-Pro”, “Bio-Hybrid”.

UV Absorption & Cure Depth

Bleach/delignify; increase PI; use thinner layers; ensure spectral match to matrix/filler blend.

Viscosity & Sedimentation

Favor nano-scale fillers; thixotropy control; strong dispersion; consider mat impregnation for high loadings.

Toughness vs Stiffness

Tune reactive diluents; avoid over-crosslink; incorporate stress-relief post-cure schedules.