Leading research materials supplier, Goodfellow, has announced it is a member of the UK-China Joint Working Group on the Graphene standardisation. The BSI Graphene Program, launched in 2017, aims to “conduct research into how standards can help support UK innovators accelerate the rate of commercialization of graphene applications”. Goodfellow’s involvement
The market for graphene is at a tipping point, with long periods of R&D now starting to translate into significant purchase orders. For a long time, the graphene market was overwhelmingly driven by a ‘materials push’ whereby graphene firms worked hard to persuade markets of the properties and benefits of their
When we think of concrete, we might think of its less elegant modern uses: brutalist architecture, bridges and paving slabs. Yet the material has proved itself one of mankind’s most enduring creations, surviving literally and figuratively for thousands of years. It continues to be one of the most popular choices
Graphenano Smart Materials has launched its line of the latest generation concrete additives called Smart Additives. The range is the first in the world to incorporate graphene technology, enhancing its mechanical performances and increasing its service life, resulting in Concrete 2.0 and enabling more resistant and longer lasting constructions. Smart
A firm in the North East is to begin supplying graphene commercially for the first time, and has more deals in the pipeline, only weeks after MP’s criticised UK industry for failing to capitalise on the wonder-material’s discovery. Graphene was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. The
BDC 319 : Aug 2024
Leading research materials supplier, Goodfellow, has announced it is a member of the UK-China Joint Working Group on the Graphene standardisation. The BSI Graphene Program, launched in 2017, aims to “conduct research into how standards can help support UK innovators accelerate the rate of commercialization of graphene applications”. Goodfellow’s involvement not only underpins the quality and high standards of its own Graphene, but also shows its commitment to facilitating innovation for science and industry. Joel Aleixo, Global Marketing Manager at Goodfellow, commented: “Standardisation and guidelines of any material used in research and development can only fuel growth and use, and ultimately, innovation – which is a big part of what we support here at Goodfellow. “We’re happy for our own materials to be held up to these standards, as it helps us ensure we’re providing the best quality, and helps our customers trust they’re getting the best of the best.” To learn more about Goodfellow, visit www.goodfellow.com
The market for graphene is at a tipping point, with long periods of R&D now starting to translate into significant purchase orders. For a long time, the graphene market was overwhelmingly driven by a ‘materials push’ whereby graphene firms worked hard to persuade markets of the properties and benefits of their product. Now, that has transitioned into ‘market pull’, with key drivers coming to the fore. IDTechEx continues to provide the most comprehensive independent market research on the field of graphene and other nanocarbons. In the latest update to their report, “Graphene Market and 2D Materials Assessment 2021–2031”, IDTechEx provides a granular outlook for the industry, including forecasts, manufacturer analysis, material benchmarking, price and applications. The tipping point for graphene is here but with so many manufacturers not all will become successful and some consolidation is inevitable. Multiple drivers are emerging for graphene as the value-added material of choice. Graphene’s ability to enhance mechanical lifetimes – for example, through wear-resistant liners or anti-corrosion coatings – and greater thermal management requirements are two examples of prevalent forces. However, there is another market driver emerging, one that is perhaps surprising but will have a major impact over the next decade – sustainability. As Dr. Soroush Nazarpour, President and CEO of NanoXplore, puts it: ‘Graphene is a key ingredient when it comes to sustainability of many markets and applications. For instance, it enables closed-loop production practices for plastic processing; and it enhances the capacity and charging speed of Li-ion batteries. Graphene will definitely make the world a greener place.’ IDTechEx has identified three core application areas for graphene that can serve this key market driver. Biobased and recycled polymers Many territories – and the companies that operate within them – have committed to aspects of the circular economy, particularly the elimination of waste. This often means firms are seeking to reduce their consumption of single-use plastics and to increase the amount of recycled material they use. But this is a challenge: recycled content is typically mechanically inferior to the virgin material, and incorporating a (‘non-green’) additive to overcome these limitations can defeat the sustainability objective. Also, it may still be insufficient in quality terms. This is where graphene comes in. The multifunctional properties of graphene as a polymer additive are well known. Being derived from graphite, it also has an advantage over competing, fossil-fuel-based additives when it comes to enhanced sustainability. Graphene can be used this way within many diverse sectors, and even low-volume incorporation could generate big wins for graphene manufacturers – if they can scale appropriately and control costs. The most immediate is in graphene-enabled non-food packaging which IDTechEx expect to become a key growth area in the mid-term. Beyond this, there is also the opportunity in bioplastics. Again, these can be improved to the necessary performance by utilising graphene’s mechanical and barrier properties. Packaging, coffee cups, and other opportunities are being explored from some of the largest customers through to young emerging companies such as Toraphene. Energy storage This is one of the most significant market movements of the 21st century – full electrification of our transportation is underway with a booming potential. Driven by legislation in the backdrop of a climate crisis the market landscape is quickly transforming. “Graphene batteries” are a headline that is seen readily but poorly used. Predominantly graphene is used as an additive with a high electrical and thermal conductivity coupled with beneficial mechanical properties. This can be used in either of the electrodes, the coatings on the current collector, or outside of the cell. For current generation lithium-ion batteries graphene will only have a modest uptake, mainly for those seeking fast charging solutions in the consumer section. This is most notably seen in the smartphone products launched from Xiaomi in 2020 and upcoming work from Real Graphene and Appear. However, the greater potential lies in future developments, namely silicon anodes and lithium-sulfur batteries. Significant developments – enabled by graphene – have already been seen and there remains a high interest from nearly every graphene manufacturer. Graphene is certainly not the only solution being explored, but if companies can find a graphene-enabled solution it will be very significant for the industry. What is more, graphene’s energy storage applications are not limited to batteries; graphene-enabled supercapacitors are gaining notable traction and could be critical solutions in conjunction with other energy storage devices (e.g. hydrogen). In this arena, Skeleton Technologies has had a very significant year, raising EUR 41.3m in a Series D funding round, announcing a partnership with Wrightbus, and signing a EUR 1bn letter of intent with an automotive manufacturer. Concrete and Asphalt Perhaps surprisingly, many graphene companies are currently exploring the potentials of concrete and asphalt markets. In their current forms, both of these products are significant contributors to climate change and would benefit from improved mechanical performance. Some early-stage trials have suggested that graphene could solve both problems, driving up sustainability and practical outcomes together. Notable projects from the likes of Directa Plus have made headlines, and several graphene manufacturers have told IDTechEx that they are in advanced conversations with key players. The volume potential of these markets is huge – perhaps far greater than the other markets described in this article – and would completely change the outlook for graphene. However, as is so often the case, there is a gap to be bridged between current interest and real orders. The building and construction industry has very fine margins and is notoriously slow to adopt. Thus, concrete and asphalt are certainly markets to watch, but there is some way to go yet. IDTechEx provides critical independent analysis of the graphene industry and many other advanced materials and emerging technologies. The latest report, “Graphene Market and 2D Materials Assessment 2021–2031”, provides a comprehensive overview of the industry at a critical time. For more information on this report, please visit www.IDTechEx.com/graphene or for the full portfolio of Advanced Materials research available from IDTechEx please visit www.IDTechEx.com/Research/AM. Looking at related fields, IDTechEx also has dedicated market reports on polymer recycling technologies 2020–2030 and multiple energy storage categories, including li-ion batteries, solid-state and polymer batteries, supercapacitors, the electric vehicle market, and more.
When we think of concrete, we might think of its less elegant modern uses: brutalist architecture, bridges and paving slabs. Yet the material has proved itself one of mankind’s most enduring creations, surviving literally and figuratively for thousands of years. It continues to be one of the most popular choices for modern structures, and it’s not going away anytime soon. While concrete still holds the edge in price, though, it is steadily being superseded by more modern building materials. From steel and hempcrete to entirely new composites and materials, developers now have more viable materials to choose from than ever before. Here is a rundown of the benefits and drawbacks of concrete and steel, and the many pretenders to their thrones. Benefits of concrete If a technology can go missing for over a thousand years and still be heralded as revolutionary, it’s clearly doing something right. Concrete was first devised by the Ancient Egyptians and nearly perfected by the Romans, whose finest examples of concrete masonry still stand to this day. The Romans weren’t just the first civilisation to deploy concrete structures en masse around the world, either. They also struck upon a form on concrete that healed and strengthened itself, something that’s only just entering back into modern construction in a cost-effective way. Concrete remains the most widely used building material in the world by weight, and not without reason. The benefits of concrete include: Price Concrete is still seen as the cheapest material for large builds, although this often only accounts for the price of the material, and not the process of installing it. Using concrete can save on property insurance, while its price has always remained stable compared to other materials, whose production tends to fluctuate. This said, there are increasing reports that the sand used in the most popular forms of concrete is running out, making this a more pressing issue. Safety Concrete is seen as a structurally reliable material, with a high tensile strength and natural fire resistant properties. Its weight, mass and strength allow it to resist most impacts, as well as winds of up to 200 mph. Thick concrete casing is routinely used by even the most high cost and safety conscious builds, including the new ‘Freedom Tower’ at 1 World Trade Centre. Design While unadorned and facade-free concrete can be considered an eyesore, it’s also been used in many iconic and beautiful constructions, from the Roman Pantheon to Frank Lloyd Wright’s Fallingwater, concrete can be used in a number of beautiful ways. Part of this is the ability to pour it into all different kinds of shapes, which has led to myriad creative, cascading designs. Benefits of steel Traditionally the preserve of tall buildings and large projects, steel has a reputation as being sturdy but slow when it comes to deployments. This is an increasingly dated attitude, however, and many of the traditional caveats of steel construction have been overcome with newer designs and methods. Some of the chief benefits are: Flexibility This is a literal benefit as well as a metaphorical one. Steel is much more ductile than concrete – in other words, less rigid – making it more appropriate for earthquake-prone and windy regions. It also has the highest strength-to-weight ratio of any popular building material, making it the primary choice for high rises as well as long, column-free spans. While it doesn’t offer as many opportunities for visual flourishes, it does facilitate a wide variety of flexible designs. Availability We’re running out of concrete. This isn’t scaremongering, just a fact of natural resources. Modern concrete – the kind known as Portland cement – relies on a particularly course kind of sand that’s proving to be in limited supply. Sustaining the world’s demand for concrete has led to widespread destruction of habitats, and that demand is still outstripping supply. While structural steel supplies can fluctuate, there is currently a large surplus, and the material is also recyclable. Efficiency It’s often said that the ‘two day cycle’ of concrete installation makes it the fastest means to build a structure. What this fails to account for is the many contributory factors in a quick build, and the ways in which steel can be deployed. Structural steel framing systems can now be built to spec using CAD software, reducing installation time by as much as 50%. It is also far less labour intensive than concrete, which requires an enormous amount of manpower for larger projects. Application Steel’s versatility renders it indispensable across numerous applications, spanning from residential to commercial and agricultural domains. In the residential sector, steel finds utility in various structural components like beams, columns, and frames. Its robustness ensures structural integrity, providing safety and longevity to buildings. Additionally, steel’s adaptability enables architects and designers to explore innovative construction techniques, resulting in modern and aesthetically pleasing residential structures. Within the realm of commercial establishments, steel serves as a cornerstone for constructing offices, warehouses, and retail spaces. Its inherent strength makes it applicable in vast open spaces without the need for cumbersome support columns, thus maximizing usable floor area. Moreover, steel’s ability to withstand heavy loads and adverse environmental conditions makes it ideal for commercial structures requiring durability and resilience. In agricultural settings, steel plays a crucial role in the construction of barns, storage facilities, and other farm buildings. Steel barns offer several advantages, including ease of assembly, durability, and customizable designs to accommodate various farming needs. Their resilience against harsh weather conditions and pests ensures the protection of valuable livestock, equipment, and produce, contributing to the efficiency and success of agricultural operations. Furthermore, steel’s sustainability credentials make it an environmentally conscious choice across all applications. Its high recyclability reduces carbon footprint and minimizes waste, aligning with modern sustainability goals. Additionally, steel structures can incorporate energy-efficient features, promoting sustainable construction. Alternative materials While concrete and steel continue to form the core of building design, scientists are always looking to augment these materials. New composites and designs can enhance many of the key
Graphenano Smart Materials has launched its line of the latest generation concrete additives called Smart Additives. The range is the first in the world to incorporate graphene technology, enhancing its mechanical performances and increasing its service life, resulting in Concrete 2.0 and enabling more resistant and longer lasting constructions. Smart Additives consists of seven ranges of additives, all depending on the concrete used and the properties required from it: Solid MECHANIC, used in plant or in ready-made concretes. The result is high performance concretes, with increased quality, resistance and surface finish. 2. Solid PRECAST, which is ideal for the prefabricated world. These additives improve the production process and quality, lowering costs and raising concrete efficiency to the maximum. 3. Solid HARD, which is the best solution for concretes exposed to extremely aggressive environments. The result is a highly durable concrete with low permeability. 4. Solid SUPPORT range, which includes supplements to adjust and modify the Smart Additives product lines. 5. Solid DRY, suitable for manufacturing semi-fry concretes. 6. Solid GUNITE, especially designed for shotcrete production. 7. Solid FIBER, a line of fibres to replace or reduce rebar in wet concrete, which is also compatible with the entire Smart Additives range. These Smart Additives products are now being used successfully in a number of projects both in Spain and abroad, in countries including Mexico, the United States and Morocco. Graphene is ideal as a structural material in the concrete sector, as it acts as a molecular mesh, providing buildings with structural support. Graphene is a nanomaterial based on carbon that is stronger than steel and harder than diamonds, capable of bearing large loads and absorbing energy before it breaks. Constructions built using these concretes containing graphene additives can increase their service life by up to 50 years compared to those containing conventional materials.
A firm in the North East is to begin supplying graphene commercially for the first time, and has more deals in the pipeline, only weeks after MP’s criticised UK industry for failing to capitalise on the wonder-material’s discovery. Graphene was first isolated in 2004 at the University of Manchester. The material is a thin layer of pure carbon that has a number of potential uses because it is light, tough, strong and a good conductor. MP’s on the Science and Technology Select Committee have recently questioned the progress being made into the commercialisation of graphene, after £120 million of public funding was invested into its research over the last five years. However, soon after the comments were made, Redcar-based Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) secured its first production order and commercial application of its “graphene nanoplatelets”. The deal with Century Composites will see the firm supply the graphene to strengthen a number of high performance fishing rods. Chief executive of Applied Graphene Materials, John Mabbitt, said the next supply deal was likely to be next year for a paint with improved resistance corrosion. The company’s graphene has been proven to significantly improve resistance moisture penetration. Mabbitt commented: “Graphene is not going to sell itself itself. You have to demonstrate to people what it can do in certain circumstances. We are providing a materials solution that improves properties or cost, competing against other materials. “There are between 25 to 40 companies around globally supplying graphene. They are a similar size and at a similar stage to us.” AGM’s patented process for producing graphene differs from most methods, which rely on splitting layers of graphite using chemical, mechanical techniques or putting energy into it. Instead, AGM’s process involves catalytically cracking alcohol and then reassembling the carbon atoms into the benzene rings which form the basis of the graphene.
