Thomas Swan and GEIC develop graphene fibre

Thomas Swan recently announced that the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) in Manchester has produced a fibre using Polyamide 6 and 0.2% loading of Thomas Swan Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP’s).

GEIC successfully extruded and subsequently spun 1.5km of the fibre with 0.39mm diameter. This was said to bode well for continuing Thomas Swan's development of graphene in nanocomposites. Typical applications for this type of monofibre include carbon brushes for motors, seat belts or fishing lines.

Michael Edwards, Commercial Director Advanced Materials at Thomas Swan said this is yet another example of the use of our GNP in nanocomposite applications. We will continue our collaboration with the GEIC to enhance the range of polymeric solutions available for various application examples, demonstrating our continued commitment to graphene production.

John Vickers, Application Specialist at GEIC said The fibre reel was manufactured at the GEIC facility at The University of Manchester, using the Xplore fibre spin line. The Line can produce fibres at a speed of 0.5 to 90 M/min via a controlled Godet. The picture shows a fibre diameter of 0.39mm (monofilament) with 0.2% graphene addition in a PA6 polymer. The Xplore fibre spin line has the capability of spinning materials down to typically 50 microns, subject to formulation.