Comerio Ercole in link-up for graphene-enhanced tires

Varese, Italy – Tire & rubber machinery maker Comerio Ercole and graphene supplier Directa Plus have joined hands to advance the industrial use of graphene nanomaterials in the rubber industry, specifically in the tire manufacturing process.

The two Italian companies have signed an agreement to pursue a joint R&D project, using the Directa Plus G+ technology to develop products reinforced with graphene nanoplatelets, Comerio Ercole said 28 Jan. 

The G+ process, according to Directa’s website, uses the company’s patented plasma super expansion technique to produce graphene nanoplatelets-based materials. 

For the project, the partners will use Comerio Ercole’s new R&D laboratory's mixing and calendering machinery.

The study will involve developing prototype processes using polymers and elastomer compounds that could in future contain G+ graphene products. 

In addition, Comerio Ercole aims to develop “tailored industrial machinery” for specific graphene applications.

The combination of the two companies’ expertise in machinery and materials is expected to help create market opportunities particularly within the tire manufacturing industry, said Giulio Cesareo, founder and CEO of Directa Plus.

“With Directa Plus we are now taking on an exciting new challenge to identify the most promising uses of graphene in our machinery and plants for selected, qualified customers,” said Riccardo Comerio, CEO of Comerio Ercole. 

The two companies will have a dedicated area for G+ graphene additives mixing and calendering technology during the upcoming global Tire Technology Expo in Hanover, Germany, 25-27 Feb.