Graphene for Marine Applications

[Leo Lazauskas]

Originally Posted by Stumble

I would point out that XG Composites, which is one of the manufacturers of bulk graphene in powder form specifically refers to using it in composite materials as graphite. I would be interested to see some data on its physical properties when combines with epoxy or other resins, but as I understand it, graphene is simply another physical form of common graphite.

Search for "graphene composite" and you will find many references that do not mention graphite.

[Doug Lord]

From http://www.plastemart.com/Plastic-Te...gy-electronics in post # 9: This shows numerous potential applications in the marine industry from batteries to improved composites strength including replacing carbon nanotubes which are being used in masts now to increase strength. This stuff seems to be to be extraordinary with incredibly diverse applications in the marine field including fuel tanks.
Here is an excerpt:

A Michigan State University (MSU) team developed a nanomaterial-xGnP Exfoliated Graphite NanoPlatelets-that makes plastic stiffer, lighter and stronger. The key to the new material’s capabilities is a fast and inexpensive process for separating layers of graphite (graphene) into stacks less than 10 nanometers in thickness but with lateral dimensions anywhere from 500 nm to tens of microns, coupled with the ability to tailor the particle surface chemistry to make it compatible with water, resin or plastic systems. The small stacks of graphene can replace carbon nanotubes, nano-clays, or other carbon compounds in many composite applications. When added in small amounts (2-3%) to plastics or resins, the nanoparticles make these materials electrically or thermally conductive and less permeable, while simultaneously improving mechanical properties like strength, stiffness, or surface toughness. When used alone or in conjunction with carbon or glass fibers, the nanoparticles enhance electrical and thermal conductivity-producing strong, lightweight composites suitable for aerospace, automotive, or electronic applications. Combined with metal nanoparticles, (xGnP + nanoparticle), the material has potential for applications in fuel cells, supercapacitors, batteries and hydrogen storage. The material will be instrumental in the development of new and expanded applications in the aerospace, automotive and packaging industries. The graphene nanoparticles are being manufactured by a new startup company, XG Sciences Inc., located in mid-Michigan and a spinoff from intellectual property owned by MSU. Potential applications of xGnP include:
• Lighter, more fuel-efficient aircraft and car parts, and stronger wind turbines, medical implants and sports equipment.
• Surface coatings on Li-ion electrodes and transparent conductive coatings for solar cells and displays.
• Lightweight gasoline tanks and leak-tight and plastic containers that keep food fresh for weeks.
Vorbeck Materials is making inroads in graphene technology with its Vor-ink conductive inks and Vor-x graphene formulations and composites. Vorbeck Materials utilizes technology originally licensed from Princeton University, where three of Vorbeck's founders were professors. In conjunction with BASF, Vorbeck established a joint research program to develop graphene-based formulations and composite materials. As part of the collaboration, Vorbeck and BASF are developing dispersions of highly conductive graphene for producing electrically conductive coatings and compounds, especially for the electronics industry. Graphene formulations offer key benefits, most notably improved conductivity; even in thin coatings of 1 micron, Vorink maintains its rated conductivity. Vorbeck has developed a scalable process and commissioned a pilot plant capable of manufacturing graphene in ton quantities.

[DCockey]

Originally Posted by Leo Lazauskas

Search for "graphene composite" and you will find many references that do not mention graphite.

I searched and found several references that didn't use the word "graphite". But the all talked about graphene as single atom thick sheets of carbon though some have other materials added to the surfaces of the graphene. Several also discussed how "graphene" could be much less expensive than carbon nano-tubes because of the low cost of graphite from which it was obtained.

Puzzled what your point is? As far as I can see graphene sheets are the basic building block of graphite, and the simpliest way to obtain graphene is to literally tear graphite apart.