Black Swan Graphene (TSX-V:SWAN) said the latest version of its Graphcore 001 graphene nanoplatelet material enhances abrasion resistance by 60% to 80% when used as an additive in thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU), a polymer used in a range of applications including in automotive, sports equipment, textile coatings, and mobile handsets.
“Today's performance results serve as a reminder that graphene could revolutionize the enormous polymer industry,” said Black Swan CEO Simon Marcotte in a statement.
“In addition to improving abrasion resistance, graphene offers meaningful benefits such as weight reduction, cost savings, enhanced precision, improved gas permeability, and increased thermal conductivity, all of which can improve existing markets and pave the way for new applications.”
The manufacturing of the Graphecore-enhanced TPU and subsequent testing was carried out independently at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre at the University of Manchester in the UK.
The type of TPU selected is used in mobile equipment and extruded sheets in industries including packaging, transportation, and construction materials, Black Swan noted.
The composites were manufactured via a masterbatch and moulded for testing with loading ratios of 0.5%, 1%, and 1.5%.
Black Swan is focused on the large-scale production and commercialization of patented high-performance and low-cost graphene products aimed at several industrial sectors, including concrete, polymers, Li-ion batteries, and others, which are expected to require large volumes of graphene.
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