Tirupati Graphite PLC (LSE:TGR, FRA:0WL) has entered into a research collaboration agreement with Monash University in Australia to develop commercial applications for a range of graphene products in raw and recycled polymer nanocomposites and dispersions.
Under a 12-month agreement with the Department of Material Sciences (NASDAQ:MASC) and Engineering, research will focus on enhancing thermal, electrical, and mechanical properties of various polymers and preparation of dispersions for developing a range of commercial products. Graphene dispersions can be used as the raw input in multiple polymers and in the manufacture of paints.
The collaboration complements Tirupati's internal research in advanced materials and composites utilising Monash's extensive capabilities on polymer and plastic nanocomposites with targeted product development for applications in defence, transportation, and construction industries, it said.
Tirupati will own all the intellectual property from the collaboration with Monash retaining liberty for use in academic publication and further research purposes.
"The evolution of new age materials to improve energy efficiency, reduce energy and materials consumption and increase the lifespan of conventional materials, is an important constituent for reducing emissions and mitigating climate risk,” said Tirupati chief executive Shishir Poddar. “Accordingly, we are delighted to be working with Monash, which will enable us to add polymer nanocomposites to our new age materials portfolio, that we anticipate will have an extensive range of potential applications.
“With the creation of manufacturing capabilities for graphene products at a significant kilogram per day scale, we are pressing ahead with our agenda of its applications development and preparing to scale up graphene products manufacturing to industrial scale.
"The success of this research collaboration will further extend our product offering, which includes the entire gambit of primary flake and speciality graphite, graphene and advanced materials, and boost/diversify our revenue streams," he said.