GNPs

Gerdau Graphene has launched “NanoCONS,” a new line of graphene admixture solutions designed for the construction industry, meant to enable concrete producers to leverage the physical properties of graphene to improve the mechanical performance of their concrete products. 

The integration of NanoCONS into cementitious materials may also reduce carbon emissions associated with concrete production: according to recent research on graphene-enhanced concrete, reducing cement content can lower concrete manufacturing-related emissions by up to 20%. NanoCONS can help reduce cement consumption without any loss of concrete performance, thereby contributing to more sustainable concrete production.

First Graphene has announced its partnership in a collaborative project aimed at advancing low-carbon hydrogen production and creating safer, more efficient storage solutions. The Company’s role will involve leveraging its expertise in graphene nanoplatelets to enhance the strength and impermeability of cryogenic hydrogen storage tanks, contributing to a project valued at around $3.72 million.

The project brings together UK and Australian expertise to develop and commercialize novel light-weight impermeable cryogenic all-composite tanks (Type-V) for the safe storage of liquid hydrogen.

Researchers at Spain's IMDEA Materials Institute, Rey Juan Carlos University and Valladolid University have developed a new spray coating to improve the antiviral efficacy of personal protective equipment, notably face masks.   

The team's system is based on nanoplatelets of graphene oxide (GO) spray coated via a simple one-step procedure over a poly(lactic acid) textile fabric, allowing a homogeneous coating. The incorporation of GO does not affect the textile structure nor its air permeability, while it increases its water contact angle, potentially preventing droplet trespassing. 

Black Swan Graphene has announced the commercialization of a new product, the GraphCore family of graphene nanoplatelets products. These products, now in full production volume, are tailored to meet a diverse range of needs within the polymer industry, offering various forms including powders and polymer-ready masterbatches.

According the the Company, in addition to double-digit tensile property improvements with less than 1.0% loading, performance enhancements seen at global customer industrial trials include:

* 25% weight reduction with 1.5% loading in TPU;
* More than 20% impact resistance improvement in PP at 0.2% loading; and
* More than 40% improvement in barrier properties in PLA at 1.0% loading.

Harcros Chemicals, a U.S-based manufacturer of innovative and sustainable chemicals, has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with Avadain stating mutual intent for Harcros to become the first company to commercially manufacture Avadain’s signature graphene flakes. Harcros has also made an investment in Avadain.

“There are many types of graphene materials,” says Brad Walden, Harcros’ VP for business development. “Harcros wants to be in the forefront of supplying the market for large, thin and nearly defect free graphene flakes which can be used to make thousands of products better.”

Avadain recently announced it entered into a memorandum of understanding to explore the use of its graphene in MAGFAST’s family of next generation wireless magnetic chargers, charging accessories and charging-enabled luggage.

MAGFAST is a direct-to-consumer electronics company offering a family of premium charging products that snap together magnetically, charge wirelessly and support any smartphone, tablet or reader. By incorporating Avadain's graphene into its suite of industry-leading products, MAGFAST hopes to achieve enhanced performance, lighter weight and increased durability, resulting in a superior customer experience.

Gerdau Graphene has launched two new additives specifically formulated for the paint and coatings industry: NanoDUR and NanoLAV. The new additives, produced with the company's proprietary G2D technology, utilize graphene nanoplatelets to deliver improved performance for water-based paints and coatings — without altering pH levels. The additives also reduce or eliminate the need for some traditional manufacturing inputs, additives, and processes, which can lower production costs while improving sustainability and reducing environmental impact.

"Until recently, it has been virtually impossible for coatings manufacturers to upgrade product performance, slash manufacturing costs, and improve sustainability at the same time — it simply couldn't be done. Now, the application of carbon nanomaterials, such as graphene, in commercially available additives has made this possible and will act as a game-changer for the industry," said Alexandre de Toledo Corrêa, CEO of Gerdau Graphene. "NanoDUR and NanoLAV represent the new performance, economic, and sustainability edge for coatings manufacturers, enabling them to leapfrog competitors across the value chain. These are the newest in our growing portfolio of graphene additives and we're excited to partner with industry leaders to develop even more novel, powerful applications for graphene."

Researchers at the University of Georgia have developed a new graphene-enhanced foam material that could significantly reduce health care-related infections caused by implanted medical devices, as well as drastically improve cleanup efforts following environmental disasters, such as oil spills.

The 3D foam is water repellent and exhibits antimicrobial and oil-water separation properties. Its versatility and relatively inexpensive production costs could make it a valuable resource for clinicians and those specializing in environmental remediation.

Directa Plus has been awarded a €136,000 grant from the Italian region of Lombardy to develop paints and coverings with its G+ graphene nano-platelets. “This grant from the Lombardy local government will help fund Directa Plus to develop these potentially disruptive products in a faster timeframe than we could have achieved using our own resources,” said founder and chief executive Giulio Cesareo in a statement.

Directa has created a new technology, called Grafyshield, a granular, semi-finished G+ formulation for the coatings market. Grafyshield is “designed to be easy to handle and mixable with resins using mixing equipment,” the producer and supplier of nano-platelets-based products said. The target for the new formulation is to bring anti-corrosion and flame-retardant properties to the final paint system.

Haydale has started to supply South Korean plastics developer NeoEnpla with functionalized graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) for use in food packaging. Functionalized using Haydale's patented HDPlas® technology, the GNP-enhanced thermoplastic has been used to manufacture an initial sample range of food storage zipper bags and biodegradable plastic bags.

LLDPE and LDPE (low density polyethylene) are widely used in food packaging and are ideal for food storage due to their high resistance to moisture, tearing and chemicals. The graphene-enhanced zipper bags have reportedly shown an increase in tensile strength of 31% compared to non-graphene LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) zipper bags. In addition, the increased mechanical strength of the graphene zipper bags allows light weighting of the plastic, reducing the film thickness from 90µm to 60µm per bag.