“Pan-European Research Project” to Explore New Ways to Make Graphene

Engineer Live reported that Nanomaster, which it describes as a “new pan-European research project,” is looking to develop new ways to make graphene — and similar nano-scaled carbon compounds — and use it in thermoplastics.

As quoted in the market news:

‘It’s the combination of electronic, thermal and mechanical properties that is of interest,’ says Ben Hargreaves, senior project manager at Nanomaster’s coordinator NetComposites. ‘If we wanted to improve any one of these properties, there are other ways of doing it. But graphene can do all three, allowing multi-functional property enhancement.’

A wide variety of companies are involved in the project, Engineer Live states:

As well as being project co-ordinator, UK-based NetComposites will take charge of moulding graphene nanocomposite test panels. Roechling, which makes plastic car parts such as air intake manifolds, is also an expert in plastic moulding. Among other tasks, it will provide moulds to verify the processability of the new materials. At the same time, Netherlands-based Promolding will handle pilot-scale compounding, as well as analysing the electrical and mechanical properties of the materials.

Materials specialists in the project include: Lati, which makes electrically and thermally conductive compounds; Timcal, a leading producer of graphite and carbon black; Aimplas, a Spanish research organisation with experience in preparing nanocomposite compounds; and MB Proto, a small French company involved in rapid prototyping technologies.

Manufacturers in the consortium include: Dutch electronics giant Philips; and Aero Engine Controls, a joint venture between Rolls-Royce and Goodrich that makes aerospace components.

Click here to read the full Engineer Live report.