MATERIALS
change that, as seen at JEC World. Founded in 2017 by Dr Mamoun
Taher, Graphmatech is an innovative Sweden-based materials company that infuses graphene into polymers and metals to create composite materials with remarkable properties. The key to success for the company’s multifunctional hybrid materials is its novel infusion process, says Cecilia Arhammar, head of research and development at Graphmatech. “We have developed a blending
process via extrusion where we heat up the plastic polymer and blend in the graphene in a way that is key to maintaining the material’s properties,” she explains. “To do this on a large scale is very complex. We have therefore designed a machine that enables a very good blend between the polymer thermoplastic material and the graphene, achieving good separation of the graphene plates.” Graphmatech’s resulting polymer-
graphene composites have the potential to reshape a wide range of applications, from conductive pipes and hydrogen infrastructure to industrial packaging. “Within aerospace, for example,
graphene can enhance the polymer vessels used for hydrogen storage,” Arhammar says. “This results in minimal leakage. As well as hydrogen storage tanks, graphene-infused thermoplastics could be widely used in applications like regular gasoline tanks and pressure vessels – any component that requires higher thermal and mechanical load would benefit from graphene-infused polymers. Protecting electronics is also a key area that we’re looking at. Additionally, there are currently a lot of limiting factors with packaging protection, such as oxygen, where graphene-infused composites could really make a difference.”
SUPERIOR VIBRATION DAMPING As industries increasingly prioritise sustainability, an environmentally responsible material that also offers high durability, good lifespan and energy-efficient production is crucial. Industrial Summit Technology (IST) Corporation believes its newly launched advanced polyimide fibre Imiditex fulfils this brief.
Graphene-infused polymer pellets and hydrogen liner The material is designed to work
in synergy with traditional glass and carbon fibres to enhance their performance and unlock “unprecedented” applications, all while offering a high 3.0GPa tensile strength, a continuous use temperature exceeding 250°C, and an ultra-low water absorption rate of less than 0.9%. “One of the most unique
characteristics of Imiditex is its vibration damping and shock absorption,” says Toshiko Sakane, CEO and president of IST Corporation. “As well as its high temperature and UV resistance, it is lighter than both glass fibre and carbon fibre so when combined with these materials it can form much lighter composite parts.” Imiditex can be integrated
seamlessly into composite structures to complement and expand the functional capabilities of existing parts. When combined with carbon or glass fibres, the material provides superior vibration damping, improved impact resistance and significant weight reduction without compromising the structural integrity of the part, and without replacing conventional composite fibres. “We have had lots of enquiries from
the automotive and aerospace sectors for reducing vibration issues, such as engine wing vibration or spoiler wing vibration,” Sakane says. “Also, far less
energy is needed to produce Imiditex when compared to carbon fibre, for instance. Essentially, Imiditex retains the existing properties of polyimide such as heat resistance, low water absorption and high strength which makes it ideal for high-performance composite applications.” Within the field of aerospace, saving
weight while ensuring structural integrity is a crucial requirement for composite components. Imiditex fulfils both of these demands, leading to improved fuel efficiency and ensuring durability in extreme environments. The fibre’s vibration damping properties improve part stability, while its electromagnetic transparency make it well suited to applications in which radio wave transmission is essential, such as aircraft communication systems and satellite components. Lightweight and durable materials
are also highly sort after within the automotive sector as the industry looks to improve its sustainability credentials. Imiditex enhances vehicle components by reducing weight and improving impact resilience, leading to better fuel efficiency and lower emissions. According to Sanake, integrating the fibre into automotive composite parts will support the next generation of transportation innovations.
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