HMG Paints has joined the EU funded PolyGraph Project that aims to utilise the revolutionary properties of graphene to develop pioneering materials that are stronger, tougher and more flexible than ever before.
The PolyGraph project, which commenced in November 2013, aims to develop materials suitable for use in a number of key applications where improvements are needed in the strength, stiffness, toughness, electrical conductivity and thermal and barrier properties of polymers; such as fibre-reinforced composite resins, coatings and adhesives.
The ultimate aim of PolyGraph is to develop a process in which graphene can be produced and dispersed ‘in-situ’ within thermosetting polymer resins, using relatively inexpensive expanded graphite as a starting material.
The PolyGraph consortium has been formed from key, knowledge-generating industrially focussed partners in each of the disciplines required for a successful outcome to the project. Looking at the key objectives of the project, the consortium makes up a strong team of organisations with exceptional expertise in each of the required technical areas.
PolyGraph is a four-year, EU funded, collaborative research project composed of 14 partners: NetComposites, Imerys Graphite & Carbon, Avanzare Innovacion Tecnologica, YTRON Process Technology, University of Padova, SAIREM, Robnor Resins, NETZSCH Feinmahltechnik, Queen Mary University of London, Centro Ricerche Fiat, BAE Systems Advanced Technology Centre, SP Sveriges Tekniska Forskningsinstitut, the Institute of Occupational Medicine and HMG Paints.