Public Funding for Universal Matter Gbr Ltd

This project seeks to establish whether measurement of specific surface area using nuclear magnetic resonance proton relaxation, might prove a complementary tool to particle size measurement in the manufacture and development of graphene dispersions. Graphene, since the award of the Nobel prize in 2010 has seen significant scientific exploration; however industrial uptake and application has been hindered by the problems associated with dispersion of graphene nanoplatelets into matrices for application. Graphene nanoplatelets typically form agglomerates which require reduction through milling in the matrix to achieve dispersion. The process of milling has a complex output in that it reduces agglomerates and reduce size while creating new surface area. Surface area of the nanoplatelet is key to the wetting process and has a key influence on parameters such as viscosity and long term stability. The measurement of surface area by BET (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller) is not possible in a dispersion matrix. Current methods of particle size analysis such as DLS (dynamic light scattering) act as a poor proxy for surface area and have themselves issues related to their dependence on a spherical geometry not compensated for by the algorithms used. The identification of a measurement technique for specific surface area of nanoplatelets and other graphene related materials in a matrix as a complementary tool will help further enhance understanding of the dispersion process while enhancing the development of new dispersions.

Project summary GIANCE offers innovative solutions to environmental challenges and establishes a holistic, integrated, and industrial-driven platform for the design, development, and scalable fabrication of the next generation of cost-effective, sustainable, lightweight, recyclable graphene and related materials (GRM)-based multifunctional composites, coatings, foams, and membranes (GRM-bM) with enhanced properties (e.g. thermal, mechanical, chemical), functionalities (e.g. wear, corrosion, chemical and fire resistance, hardness and impact resistance, high temperature resistance, structural health monitoring, ultralow friction surfaces), and as enablers for hydrogen storage. GIANCE will also advance manufacturing processes, enhancing synthesis and stability and reducing environmental impact. Such GRM-bM and manufacturing capabilities will allow robust connections with end-users and thus develop and qualify the commercial propositions to high TRLs. GIANCE will develop, demonstrate, and validate the efficacy of GRM-enabled products (11 use cases) which will underlie future technologies for different sectors (e.g. automotive, aerospace, energy (hydrogen economy) and water treatment). GIANCE also supports the innovation output and industrialization efforts of the Graphene Flagship initiative, building a credible pathway for the newly accumulated knowledge to impact EU industry and society. GIANCE will support a strong EU value chain in translating technology advances from TRL4-5 into concrete innovation opportunities and production capabilities (TRL6-7), with first-mover market advantages of scale in the defined industrial sectors. The consortium consists of 23 partners from 10 countries, representing the full value chain, with leading OEMs, large industries, world-class research and education organisations, and innovative SMEs. GIANCE is designed to ensure maximum impact for the defined industries and society as a whole, significantly contributing to the evolving field of GRM.

Graphene nanoplatelets have been used effectively to demonstrate barrier properties in coating applications reducing the level of water penetration enhancing the level of corrosion resistance compared to other barrier pigments. The application of improved barrier properties has importance beyond corrosion in the development of new packaging technologies and electronics industry where sensitive electronics may require water or chemical protection. Maximisation of the performance of the nanoplatelets is dependent on their alignment in the coating and is impacted by the cure conditions used. Elevated temperature curing with associated rapid increase in viscosity and associated gelation is likely to increase the level of disorder, reducing the impact of Graphene addition. Various formulating approaches might be considered to mitigate these effects but an understanding of the degree of alignment and arising in an ambient cure and relative effects of change in surface tension and gelation is required. Currently tools neither Scanning Electron Microscopy nor Transmission Electron Microscopy are able to provide a measure of the alignment seen in processing films at different temperatures and rates of cure. The development of a method of measurement to determine alignment of Graphene nanoplatelets in a film would enable an understanding of this problem and facilitate methods to overcome the observed problem opening these and additional markets (electrical and thermal conductivity ) where platelet alignment is a key requirement of performance.

AGM has already started to commercialise its technology by providing graphene nanoplatelets in formats that can be readily adopted by its customers. AGM has recognised that not all graphene is created equally and the methods of manufacture have a huge influence on the characterisitcs of the materials produced and therefore its ultimate usefulness. Having understood many of the process parameters which deliver specific performance characteristics AGM now seeks to be in a position to supply these materials in large volumes and at an appropriate cost. The lower the total manufacturing costs the greater the scope of applicability for graphene across multiple market sectors globally.

Each year, it is estimated that corrosion costs the economy £10 billion per annum in the repair, maintenance and replacement of structures in Britain. Organic coatings loaded with hazardous or environmentally unfriendly metals such as zinc and chromates are commonly used to protect such structures and so it is desirable to find improved “green” alternative solutions. Graphene has been identified as a suitable “green” anti-corrosive additive and Project GRACe will investigate and develop the potential of graphene based anti-corrosive coatings. In addition, graphene has been identified with the ability to mitigate risks of fires, so GRACe will also explore the potential for using graphene in fire retardant, protective coatings.

The partners will use graphene to develop novel ink formulations that can be used within printed electronic devices. The properties of the graphene layers deposited will be characterised in detail along with the properties of the printed electronic devices manufactured.

This project involving Applied Graphene Materials, a rapidly growing start-up producing graphene nanoplatelets and dispersions , and DuPont Teijin Films, a leading polyester film manufacturer with a track record of innovation, will assess the feasibility of using graphene as a performance enhancer in polyester films . Dispersion techniques as well as polymerisation and coating methods will be investigated as possible routes for the incorporation of graphene in or on top of polyester films. The project will perform the first comprehensive characterisation of graphene containing polyester films including mechanical, electrical, thermal, chemical and barrier properties. This broad range of tests, matched with the available knowledge of commercial opportunities in the polyester film industry, will allow the partners to assess the benefits of graphene containing polyester films across a broad range of potential applications and to prioritise future development work.