New graphene partnership targets tire market

Lansing, Michigan – US manufacturer of graphene nanoplatelets XG Sciences and UK-based Perpetuus Advanced Materials have partnered to supply functionalised graphene into the North American tire sector.

The two companies entered into a commercialisation and license agreement which will see them supplying Perpetuus functionalised hybrid graphenes for elastomers, with an emphasis on tires and related applications, XG Sciences said in a 9 Dec release.

Under the agreement, Perpetuus will build one or more of its patented, plasma-based surfaces-modification production plants in the US near one of XG Sciences’ graphene nanoplatelet production facilities.  

The collaboration covers both product development collaboration and high-volume commercial supply.

Graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms is harder than diamonds, lighter than steel but significantly stronger, and conducts electricity better than copper, according to XG Sciences. 

Graphene nanoplatelets are particles consisting of multiple layers of graphene with capabilities for energy storage, thermal and electrical conductivity and barrier properties.

The materials impart physical property improvements when incorporated into rubber, plastics, metals or other matrices. 

“This agreement represents a key milestone in the commercial adoption of graphene and establishes XG Sciences and Perpetuus as marque players in the supply of graphene for use in tire elastomers and other applications,” said Dr. Philip Rose, CEO, XG Sciences. 

Also commenting on the deal, Bamidele Ali, chief commercial officer of XG Sciences, said the North American elastomer market, especially in the tire segment, was “substantial”.   

“Tires will likely represent one of the break-out applications for graphene and we are now well-positioned with Perpetuus to deliver solutions to the elastomer market,” Ali added.

Perpetuus already uses XG Sciences’ graphene nanoplatelets as input materials for surface-modification of high-performance graphenes.

The London startup produces designated-for-purpose, functionalised hybrid graphenes for a variety of uses, but primarily targeted at tire configurations.