A new enterprise focused on developing high-performance rubbers and other soft materials enhanced with graphene is set to launch from the University of Manchester.
Grafine Ltd, founded by Dr Maria Iliut and Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan, aims to utilise graphene to significantly improve the durability and strength of elastomers and rubbers. The company will operate from the University of Manchester’s Innovation Centre on Grafton Street, leveraging the world-class Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) for product development.
Elastomers and rubbers are critical in a wide range of products including tyres, shoes, gloves, industrial components, construction materials, coatings, and medical devices. The global market for these products is projected to exceed £70 billion by 2021. Grafine Ltd seeks to tap into this vast market and is already attracting interest from global manufacturers. The company is in discussions with these manufacturers to negotiate development contracts.
Dr Vijayaraghavan, a leading researcher in graphene for over a decade, stated, “We are very excited to launch Grafine Ltd because we have the specialist skills and know-how to help global manufacturing companies use new 2-dimensional materials like graphene effectively and cheaply.”
He further explained that businesses across various sectors continually strive to improve the properties of elastomeric compounds to enhance product performance in both existing and new applications. Graphene can augment the strength, elasticity, flexibility, thermal stability, chemical resistance, and durability of rubber and elastomers. With support from Grafine Ltd, product designers will gain greater flexibility in creating new products.
Dr Iliut, the academic co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Grafine, highlighted that the company offers consultancy services to businesses looking to benefit from nano-materials in their elastomeric products and coatings. She added, “Grafine will also sign commercial deals to license its know-how and patents, facilitating knowledge and technology transfer to industrial customers.”
Grafine Ltd’s launch represents a significant step in the commercialisation of graphene-enhanced materials, providing new opportunities for advancements in various industries.