Leverage graphene for unmatched mechanical strength
Graphene is known for its exceptionally high mechanical strength. It’s more than 100 times stronger than steel at the same thickness, and despite its strength it’s also extremely lightweight. The combination of strength and lightness is unmatched by any other known material, making graphene a powerful additive for countless products.
Just a minimal addition of graphene to the compound can significantly enhance a material's properties, reducing material usage and thus lowering production expenses. As less material is needed to achieve the desired strength, the products’ carbon footprint can also be significantly reduced.
Here are some examples of how graphene’s properties can be harnessed in manufacturing:
Organic composites
Graphene can improve the mechanical properties of organic polymer composites such as thermoplastics and thermosets, enhancing stiffness, strength and resistance to fatigue.
Plastics and polymers enhanced with graphene can be utilized in sectors such as aerospace and automotive manufacturing, where their improved mechanical strength can lead to lighter, stronger components. For example, graphene-reinforced Polypropylene, a thermostatic widely used in food packaging, automative parts, and other industrial sectors, greatly increases the composite’s mechanical properties as well as its thermal stability. Graphene additives can also make significant impact in sports equipment manufacturing, contributing to the creation of lighter and more durable gear. In medical devices, enhanced polymer strength can lead to more robust and reliable medical implants and equipment.
Reduced graphene oxide such as LayerOne’s REGOX8® Graphene P980 and P999 are easily dispersed into various polymers and composites. The functional groups remaining on the graphene sheets of reduced Graphene Oxide REGOX8® make it possible to functionalize the graphene for enhanced compatibility and strength.
Inorganic composites
When incorporated into inorganic composites such as concrete, glass and ceramics, graphene can improve the material's compressive and tensile strengths, with the additional benefit of reducing its water permeability.
Graphene can be incorporated into inorganic composites for applications in high-strength building materials, advanced electronics, and energy storage and conversion systems. Graphene-reinforced concrete can allow for the use of less material without compromising structural integrity, leading to lighter, more cost-effective and less CO2-intensive structures. Reduced water permeability extends the lifespan of structures, diminishing the need for repairs and maintenance.
Moreover, graphene's high strength enables the development of ultra-thin and transparent displays, touchscreens, and solar cells. As these devices require transparency, very few layers of graphene are required.
For inorganic composites such as concrete, we recommend GOX8® Graphene Oxide, because of its functional groups that support enhanced bonding and distribution within the composite matrix.
Protective coatings
Graphene’s incorporation into protective coatings can enhance their durability and resistance to scratches, abrasion, rust and wear, reducing the need for maintenance and extending coating lifetime.
Graphene additives in silicon-based coatings increase strength while retaining high flexibility, and hydrophobicity, giving the coating fouling-release and self-cleaning properties. When applied to ship hulls, this can greatly decrease drag, leading to lower fuel consumption and CO2 emissions while also reducing the unwanted effect on biodiversity caused by marine biofouling in the shipping industry. Graphene-based coatings also act as diffusion barriers for harmful ions, while remaining inert to aggressive solutions. Key application areas include anticorrosion layers for metals in industrial and marine environments, enhancing the durability and lifespan of structures.
LayerOne’s REGOX8® Graphene and GOX8® Graphene Oxide can easily be added to coatings, enhancing the coating's strength, corrosion protection, and other surface properties such as hydrophobicity. For more information about which product suits best for your application, you are welcome to reach out to our sales team.
The exceptional strength of graphene makes it a valuable material for creating high-performance materials and devices, which are more durable, efficient, and environmentally friendly.
Interested in harnessing the powerful strength of graphene for your products? Contact us today, and our experts will guide you every step of the way!