ADDITIVES | NANOCOMPOSITES


automotive and packaging. “This initiative effectively builds supply availabil-


Above: HydroGraph uses tensile testing machines (pictured) to validate the effectiveness of Fractal Graphene, certify partner performance, and provide engineering-grade proof to OEMs and manufacturers in demanding industries


produce shelf life,” he said. “In automotive compo- nents, it can be used in applications for structural parts where weight reduction directly impacts fuel efficiency. There are applications in fibres for strength improvement to carry additional loads, and also bearings and seals where durability improve- ments extend service life and reduce maintenance costs for equipment. The common thread across all these applications is the drive to use less material while achieving better performance.”


Seeking partners HydroGraph said that its Fractal Graphene is charac- terised by its 99.8% carbon purity and consistent morphology, and that its structure enables perfor- mance at addition rates 10 to 100 times lower than conventional graphene nanoplatelets. “Our Fractal Graphene typically achieves 20-30% increases in tensile strength and stiffness at only 0.05 wt% loading levels, enabling lighter thinner parts. Toughness can be increased from 50-70% with loading levels from 0.1%. We also see 20-30% wear reduction from 0.01% to 0.1% loading, leading to longer lasting components and products. This kind of reinforcement efficiency is dramatically superior to conventional additives and even other graphene products. Our ultra-low loading levels also preserve processability and in some cases enhance process- ing,” Eldridge reported. The company launched a Compounding Partner


Program in July this year seeking to certify com- pounders to make compounds using the compa- ny’s Fractal Graphene to support customers who are testing formulations in end uses including


16 COMPOUNDING WORLD | October 2025


ity of graphene compounds for the market by providing end customers with a vetted supply chain for sourcing graphene-enhanced compounds with confidence,” said Eldridge. “Early partners are already piloting new formulations across automo- tive and packaging sectors, supporting our mission to make graphene reinforcement accessible for mainstream commercial applications.” He said that HydroGraph has also been scaling up its manufacturing capabilities. “We established a strategic relationship with a leading North American industrial gas supplier, which provides us access to high-purity acetylene – a critical feedstock for our patented detonation synthesis process. This partnership ensures continuous, high-quality supply that enables increased production volumes without compromising our industry-leading product consistency. We’ve also signed a lease for a new 20,000-square-foot headquarters facility in Austin, Texas, representing nearly a 100% size increase from our current operations, with operations expected to begin by February 2026,” he reported.


Industrialising graphene Black Swan Graphene is focusing on a cost-effec- tive process to facilitate industrialisation of gra- phene as an additive for materials such as concrete and polymers by making graphene nanoplatelets that are five or more layers. The company partners with compounders to provide trademarked Graphene Enhanced Masterbatch (GEM) polymer masterbatches for the plastics industry. Black Swan has partnered with masterbatch producers Hubron International, Broadway Colours and Modern Dispersions and said that it is working through the GEM qualification process with other global masterbatch and compounding companies. The company said that since the launch of several GEM products in mid-2024, they are working on more than 40 joint projects. “We are incredibly excited to see our efforts and investments culminating in significant progress toward commercialisation as our graphene gains traction in the industrial sector,” said Michael Edwards, Chief Operating Officer of Black Swan. “As for many innovative products, the initial commercialisation is paramount, as progress with prospective customers and production activities can provide supply security for eventual customers. As volumes expand, not only will the company be able to compete more effectively in higher-volume applications, but lower production costs open doors to more price-sensitive markets. The path to


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IMAGE: HYDROGRAPH


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