TAGS: Polymer Reinforcement
First Graphene has demonstrated improvements in the performance of High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) materials from Hexcyl Systems. Hexcyl Systems Pty Ltd. will now progress to advanced trials, making super-strong HDPE oyster baskets for long-line farming systems.
Improvements in Strength, Wear Resistance
Using First Graphene’s PureGRAPH® products the High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) showed improvements in strength, wear resistance and longevity. The initial results, confirm the potential of PureGRAPH® graphene as a high performing additive for the global HDPE industry.
Craig McGuckin, managing director, First Graphene Ltd. believes this an important first step for PureGRAPH® products into this important global market.
“
This trial confirms that PureGRAPH® graphene products successfully enhance the performance of HDPE materials in industrial applications. This is an important milestone in our strategy to develop additives for thermoplastic materials”, said Mr McGuckin.
The capability of First Graphene PureGRAPH® technology enabled significant mechanical improvements.
“
A low dosage of less than one per cent of PureGRAPH® has generated an increase in yield strength of more than 60 per cent, when compared to the base HDPE product,” said Mr McGuckin.
Samples showed a more than 10 per cent increase in ultimate tensile strength and at the same concentration, abrasion loss was reduced by more than 50 per cent.
HDPE is a thermoplastic polymer widely used in packaging (cosmetics, food and beverages), corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes and plastic timbers. The global market for HDPE was estimated at USD 59 Billion in 2015, with a CAGR of 4%.
The project will now move to a larger scale trial in real-world, ocean conditions, commencing in August 2020.
Source: First Graphene