No Prototype — Validating the Diamond Composites Theory
By Marie Seshat Landry, Citizen Scientist
In the realm of materials science, it’s common to move quickly from concept to prototype. Yet for radically new ideas—like the Diamond Composites framework, which envisions 100% hemp-derived, carbon-negative composites—jumping straight to prototyping can obscure foundational questions. How do we know the chemistry will reliably cure? Will nanosheet dispersion and interfacial adhesion meet expectations? Can the material deliver the performance metrics we model?
Rather than building a single prototype and hoping for success, we’ve charted a rigorous path: validating the theory through crowdsourced, open-science experimentation. By decomposing the Diamond Composites concept into 54 testable hypotheses, we invite the global scientific community—citizen scientists, academic labs, and industry partners—to generate the empirical data needed to assess feasibility. This post outlines why a no-prototype, hypothesis-driven approach accelerates innovation, enhances reproducibility, and ensures that when we do build prototypes, they stand on a rock-solid scientific foundation.
Table of Contents
Breaking It Down: The 54 Hypotheses
Tier 1: Foundational Validation
Tier 2: Core Properties & Benchmarks
Tier 3: Advanced Explorations
1. Why Skip the Prototype—For Now
Prototyping is expensive, time-consuming, and often fails to isolate the root causes of underperformance. By focusing first on individual hypotheses—such as matrix curability (H1), nanosheet dispersion (H2), and interfacial adhesion (H3)—we can:
De-risk scale-up by confirming each step works in isolation.
Optimize formulations through model-informed iteration.
Avoid wasted resources on prototypes doomed by a single overlooked variable.
Facilitate collaboration, since many labs can tackle smaller experiments in parallel.
This hypothesis-first strategy echoes practices in software testing and clinical trials, adapted here to materials R&D.
2. The Diamond Composites Theory in a Nutshell
At its core, Diamond Composites propose a thermoset made entirely from hemp derivatives:
Hemp-Derived Carbon Nanosheets (HDCNS) — the reinforcement phase, offering mechanical strength, conductivity, and barrier properties.
Epoxidized Hemp Seed Oil (EHSO) — the bio-epoxy matrix binder, synthesized from hemp oil via epoxidation.
Modified Hemp Lignin (MHL) — the curing agent and matrix stiffener, derived from hemp hurd lignin with tailored functional groups.
The Material Triforce and programmability concepts assert that by varying the relative ratios of these three, we can tune stiffness, toughness, conductivity, thermal stability, and biodegradability. Fluff Theory extends the matrix’s role to bind hemp byproducts and waste streams, driving circularity.
But theory alone isn’t enough—enter the 54 hypotheses.
3. Breaking It Down: The 54 Hypotheses
Our hypotheses are grouped into three tiers, each addressing a critical layer of validation:
Tier 1: Foundational Validation
These are the non-negotiables—the chemical and physical feasibility checks:
H1: Successful synthesis and curing of the EHSO/MHL matrix with measurable Tg and mechanical integrity.
H2: Uniform dispersion of HDCNS in the bio-matrix (agglomerates <10 µm).
H3: Strong interfacial adhesion between HDCNS and cured matrix (SEM evidence of matrix pull-out).
H5: Achieving bulk density <1.3 g/cm³ for lightweight targets.
H6: Demonstrating >25% tensile modulus increase at 5 wt % HDCNS.
…and more up through H16, including biodegradability (H16) and low-temperature curability (H42).
Tier 2: Core Properties & Benchmarks
Once foundational criteria pass, we compare against benchmarks:
H7: 25% modulus increase in standard epoxy/PLA at 5 wt % HDCNS.
H8–H9: Impact toughness and hardness improvements.
H10: Electrical percolation threshold and conductivity >1 S/m at 20 wt %.
H11–H15: Thermal stability (TGA), conductivity tuning, EMI shielding (>10 dB), corrosion and UV resistance.
H21–H31: Specific energy absorption, shear strength, fatigue life, water/chemical barrier, and specific strength/modulus vs. aluminum benchmarks.
Tier 3: Advanced Explorations
These stretch into novel applications and ISRU scenarios:
H17–H18: EPR detection of spin centers—organic qubit precursors.
H19–H20: Radiation shielding performance and dynamic mechanical analysis.
H34–H35: Simulated Mars-grown hemp composites (H34) and comparison vs. graphene composites (H35).
H47–H48: Full ISRU-simulated matrix/filler synthesis and additive manufacturing viability.
Download the full list: Zenodo record
4. Open-Science Workflow: From Hypothesis to Data
Our collaborative process is designed for transparency and reproducibility:
Select hypothesis aligned to your expertise.
Register at marielandryceo.com to receive SOPs and data templates.
Conduct experiments per ASTM/ISO standards, documenting all metadata.
Submit raw and processed data (load-displacement curves, TGA/DSC files, SEM/TEM images) via our portal or email.
Aggregate and analyze—we’ll publish interim reports and refined models.
Iterate based on findings, update hypotheses or protocols as needed.
This modular, crowd‑powered R&D accelerates progress and democratizes innovation.
5. Tools & Techniques: Ensuring Rigor
Key characterization methods include:
FTIR/NMR for matrix chemistry (H1, H42).
SEM/TEM for dispersion and adhesion (H2, H3).
UTM with extensometer for tensile, flexural, and fatigue tests (H6, H24).
TGA/DSC for thermal stability and cure kinetics (H11, H42).
Four-point probe for conductivity (H10).
Cone calorimeter, LOI, UL94 for flame retardancy (H54).
EPR spectroscopy for spin defects (H17).
Standardizing equipment and protocols is crucial; our SOPs reference specific ASTM/ISO methods for each hypothesis.
6. Early Insights and Model Refinements
Preliminary data from pilot labs have revealed:
A narrow processing window for EHSO/MHL cure—optimal at 120 °C with 1% imidazole catalyst.
HDCNS dispersion improves dramatically with three-roll milling vs. ultrasonication alone.
Interfacial adhesion benefits from mild oxidation of HDCNS (via H₂O₂ pretreatment).
These findings feed back into our micromechanical and percolation models, refining predictions for subsequent experiments.
7. Collaborator Spotlight: Citizen Scientist Contributions
Lab A (University X) confirmed H1–H3 within 2 weeks, sharing FTIR spectra and SEM images.
Community MakerSpace Y validated H5 density targets using an Archimedes kit and open-source 3D-printed fixtures.
Independent researcher Z reported initial biodegradability (H16) results via home composting trials.
These early wins illustrate the power of distributed, citizen-led science in tackling complex materials challenges.
8. Next Steps: From Data to Prototypes
With Tier 1 and Tier 2 thresholds met, we’ll begin integrated prototype builds:
Batch-formulated panels for mechanical and thermal testing.
Small-scale AM prints of structural test coupons (H48).
Hybrid application demos, such as an EMI-shielded enclosure or lightweight drone arm.
By grounding prototypes in validated hypotheses, we minimize rework and accelerate real-world deployment.
9. How to Get Involved
Visit marielandryceo.com to register.
Access the full hypothesis list and SOPs at Zenodo: https://doi.org/10.5281/zenodo.15164887.
Email feedback@marielandryceo.com with your chosen hypothesis and affiliation.
Share your findings on social media with #DiamondComposites and #OrganicRevolution.
Whether you’re an academic, industrial researcher, or home-lab enthusiast, your contribution matters.
10. Conclusion: Building on Solid Ground
The No Prototype approach to validating the Diamond Composites Theory exemplifies how rigorous, hypothesis-driven science can de-risk innovation and harness the collective intelligence of a global community. By proving each element before integration, we ensure that our first prototypes—and ultimately, commercial applications—stand on unshakeable empirical foundations.
Join us in this open-science endeavor and help shape a sustainable, high-performance future—one validated hypothesis at a time.
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