Thomas Swan in graphene for armour deal

Thomas Swan’s Advanced Materials division is to collaborate with nanomaterials technology manufacturer Graphene Composites (GC) to provide the graphene solution in their GC Shield armour products. This follows a development collaboration between the companies, together with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) using Swan’s GNP-M grade graphene in the final product.

Both companies and the CPI are UK-based. Swan produces multiple-layer graphene and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and, using the high-shear liquid phase exfoliation process developed by Professor Jonathan Coleman at Trinity College Dublin, has scaled the GNP process up to 20 tonnes/year. The company is also established in the chemicals and materials business, with a US subsidiary.

“It is always great to see an end-application that transfers into production demonstrating real-life applications for graphene, something that has been evasive in our market to date, said Michael Edwards, head of the Advanced Materials division. “As always there is a learning curve to be developed with a willing partner for a go-to market product, but we are always delighted to reach that point.”