OCSiAl expanding graphene nanotube production in Europe

Luxembourg - Advanced materials manufacturer OCSiAl is building a graphene nanotube synthesis facility near the Serbian capital of Belgrade, the company has announced.

The 40-kilotonne-per-annum (ktpa) facility is set for operation in the first half of 2023 and will employ the company’s patented production technology, said OCSiAl in a statement 14 June.

The facility, said OCSiAl, is to become “the core of the graphene nanotube industrial hub” and will be accompanied by production lines of nanotube concentrates for various polymers and nanotube dispersions.

The manufacturer expects the new plant to lower its supply chain costs and make it possible to deliver European-produced solutions to customers in Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The facility will be accompanied by the production lines of more than 40 nanotube-based concentrates and dispersions designed to simplify industrial handling of nanotubes.

The new lines will be launched in sequence in 2022-2023.

According to OCSiAl, graphene nanotubes are currently used by rubber and plastics manufacturers for applications in the automotive, electronics, oil & gas, healthcare devices, and other industries.

For instance, OCSiAl pointed out that elastomers reinforced with the nanotubes can contribute to safety and energy-efficiency of tires.

In addition to the Serbian facility, OCSiAl is currently constructing its flagship production facility in Differdange, southwestern Luxembourg.

The €300-million facility, which includes an associated R&D centre, is expected to be “the largest of its kind” and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The 250ktpa unit is to mainly supply automotive components markets in Europe.