Graf-X^™ graphene nanoplatelets and precursors significantly improve strength, corrosion resistance, and reliability 

NeoGraf Solutions, a leading developer and manufacturer of high-performance natural and synthetic graphite sheet and powder products, has extended its range of next-generation graphite materials with the launch of Graf-X^™ graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) and graphene precursors (GP). Both high-performance additive materials deliver enhanced mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, electrical conductivity, thermal properties, and reliability in a broad range of building and construction applications.

GNPs are ultra-thin, multilayer graphene nanoplatelets. Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms arranged in a hexagonal matrix that is high strength, super thin, and offers the highest electrical and thermal conductivity. GPs are graphite products designed specifically as a raw material for efficient high-volume production of graphene products through further processing.

The introduction of the Graf-X line is a transformational move for NeoGraf Solutions which has more than 140 years of product leadership and innovation in the carbon and graphite industry. “We’re leveraging our growing production capabilities and application development expertise to take graphene from the lab to large-scale commercial success,” said Jon Taylor, NeoGraf Product Manager. NeoGraf is a fully integrated graphene product supplier with a GNP capacity of more than 750 metric tons and a GP capacity of approximately 1300 metric tons at their facility in Lakewood, Ohio.

NeoGraf Solutions’ expanded product portfolio provides the industry with a source of high-volume, quality graphene nanoplatelets with sizing and specification options that can be tailored for specific applications. The company also leverages its extensive sourcing and processing capabilities to supply the industry with graphene precursors, which are graphite products designed to enable efficient conversion into graphene materials.

In building and construction, Graf-X graphene nanoplatelets (GNP) can increase the strength of standard concrete by approximately 30% (flexural, compressive, and tensile) at a loading of just >1 wt% or less. GNPs also promote more resistance to cracking and thus extend product longevity. 

GNP products provide corrosion resistance for rebar-reinforced concrete and serve as a barrier to water absorption, reducing maintenance and reliability costs associated with concrete structures. Cement production for concrete contributes ~8% of the world’s carbon dioxide emissions today. These graphene additives can reduce the amount of material required to make concrete by 20% or more, resulting in a significant reduction in global carbon emissions. In insulative foams, graphene additives can increase the R-value (a measure of the foam’s thermal insulation properties) by 20% or more compared to the base foam.

The advanced graphene materials are commercially available and can be used in a range of applications including tensile strength enhancement in concrete admixtures and R-value increases in extruded polystyrene (XPS) insulation boards for home construction.

For more information on Graf-X graphene products, please visit www.neograf.com.