NANOCOMPOSITES | ADDITIVES
Advances in graphene and carbon nanotubes are driving progress towards industrialisation and new thermoplastic applications. Jennifer Markarian reports on the latest developments
Graphene and carbon nanotubes hit the market
Nano-scale additives used in plastics, as well as in other materials, include graphene (of various forms) and carbon nanotubes (CNTs). These additives promise to reduce weight and improve properties at a different level than traditional reinforcing additives. Graphene is a form of carbon in a single layer, two-dimensional honeycomb lattice that provides exceptional mechanical strength, electrical conduc- tivity and thermal performance, along with other benefits, explained manufacturer Black Swan Graphene. Various forms of graphene with different numbers of layers and functional groups have different advantages. Haley Marie Keith, CEO and Co-founder of Mito
Materials, which has a patented additive technol- ogy that functionalises substances such as gra- phene oxide, said that the company is working with specialty compounders who are incorporating graphene in thermoplastics. She said that gra- phene is continuing an upward trajectory in commercial use cases and adoption. “For the compounders, we hear value in processing and handling; from component producers, we see improvements in torsional stability, flex, and tensile, at much lower loadings than other additives. It’s exciting to see graphene deliver on its promises in this market,” said Keith. While graphene had previously been targeted
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for high-value, niche applications, the additive is becoming competitive in general applications, added Tom Eldridge, Director of Business Devel- opment at graphene manufacturer Hydrograph Clean Power. “Previously, multifunctional benefits from graphene were often needed to justify its use as a premium additive. Now graphene is becoming competitive in more mainstream applications, with emphasis on fulfilling specific functional roles.” Eldridge added that graphene is able to help
products be thinner, lighter, and more durable. “Companies are under pressure to do more with less material while maintaining or improving performance. Compounds with graphene offer a compelling path to achieving these goals,” he said. Graphene can also help companies achieve the
goal of moving away from multilayer, multimaterial packaging that can be challenging to recycle. Furthermore, graphene can be an enabler to upgrade recycled material. “We’re currently focused on applications to both upcycle plastic waste, and also to integrate our graphene into closed loop recycling systems to enable product circularity,” Eldridge said. “Our graphene can be used in packaging
applications – both industrial and consumer – where it can reduce wall thickness to save weight and cost, and enhance barrier performance to improve
October 2025 | COMPOUNDING WORLD 15
Main image: Small loadings of carbon nanotubes lead to performance benefits in poymer
compounds
IMAGE: SHUTTERSTOCK
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