European partnership to advance conductive rubber technology with graphene
Oslo, Uppsala, Milano – November 22 – 2023 – Industry leaders LayerOne, Graphmatech, and RDC aim to revolutionize conductive rubber technology with graphene. Their collaboration, the DECOrGO project, will develop graphene-carrying rubber compounds with enhanced electrical conductivity and performance.
The European trio will create a high-performance graphene-based alternative to carbon black, which has traditionally been used for electrical conductivity in rubber products.
Graphene’s unmatched conductivity, mechanical strength, flexibility, and durability could revolutionize conductive rubber compounds, but its high cost has historically limited widespread adoption. LayerOne is stepping up to meet the challenge by manufacturing cost-effective rGO (reduced graphene oxide), a graphene derivative that is both more affordable and easier to produce at large quantities.
“This project provides a platform for us to innovate and rigorously test new rGO variants with enhanced electrical conductivity. With our new pilot factory becoming operational, we're ready to produce these materials at scale”, says Filippo Giordanino, Chief Technical Officer at LayerOne.
Graphene's well-known issue of flake agglomeration is tackled by Graphmatech's Aros Graphene® technology, which ensures superior dispersion while maintaining graphene's distinct properties.
“By modifying LayerOne graphene grades using our patented technology, Graphmatech will enable cost-efficient incorporation of graphene into the rubber material and realize conductive rubber technology without carbon black”, says Cecilia Århammar, Research Area Manager Polymers at Graphmatech”.
Roles and expertise of project partners:
LayerOne: Specializes in large-scale production of premium rGO additives.
Graphmatech: Will modify the rGO using Graphmatech patented technology to enhance dispersion in rubber materials.
RDC: Produces graphene-based masterbatches for the rubber industries.
Potential applications:
High and medium voltage cables
Conductive seals for electrical vehicles
Antistatic safety shoes
The research and development project is backed by funding from The Research Council of Norway and European Eureka.
About LayerOne
LayerOne is a world leading manufacturer of high-quality advanced graphene materials. With its proprietary and uniquely scalable technology, the company offers graphene oxide (GO) and reduced graphene oxide (rGO) which are now finding applications in a wide range of industrial products, such as composites, coatings, energy storage, and efficient water and air filtration solutions. Thanks to their market leading quality, LayerOne is the preferred partner of many high-tech companies worldwide.
www.layeronematerials.com
Contact information
Annette Frotjold, Chief Marketing Officer
+47 400 97 062
annette.frotjold@claraventurelabs.com
About Graphmatech
Graphmatech AB delivers patented next-generation graphene composite materials to support the green energy transition. The company is best known for its polymers for the hydrogen economy, improved metals for electrification, conductive polymers for 3D printing, and graphene additives for batteries. Founded as a spinout from Uppsala University in 2017, Graphmatech is a privately held Swedish company with a diverse team spanning various nationalities and professional backgrounds. Find out more at www.graphmatech.com.
Purchase and enquiries: sales@graphmatech.com
About RDC
Founded in 1975 by visionary Nicola Murgo, RDC set a gold standard for innovation within the rubber sector. Transitioning from a family venture to an industry leader in predispersed chemicals, RDC emphasizes bespoke services and uncompromised quality. As a contemporary trailblazer, RDC continually evolves, embracing both modern challenges and future opportunities.
RDC S.r.l (rdcsrl.com)