The Graphene-Info newsletter (September 13, 2022)

Haydale has started to supply South Korean plastics developer NeoEnpla with functionalized graphene nano-platelets (GNPs) for use in food packaging. Functionalized using Haydale's patented HDPlas® technology, the GNP-enhanced thermoplastic has been used to manufacture an initial sample range of food storage zipper bags and biodegradable plastic bags.

LLDPE and LDPE (low density polyethylene) are widely used in food packaging and are ideal for food storage due to their high resistance to moisture, tearing and chemicals. The graphene-enhanced zipper bags have reportedly shown an increase in tensile strength of 31% compared to non-graphene LLDPE (linear low-density polyethylene) zipper bags. In addition, the increased mechanical strength of the graphene zipper bags allows light weighting of the plastic, reducing the film thickness from 90µm to 60µm per bag.

Researchers from the National Institute for Cryogenics and Isotopic Technologies ICSI-Rm in Romania have applied microwave processes to iodine doping and reduction of graphene oxide, to produce functionalized fuel cell organic reduction reaction electrocatalysts. The team chose to utilize microwave-assisted processes because of their many benefits, like reduced energy, time, and cost demands.

The process developed by the team relies on a faster, simpler, more economical, and efficient protocol under atmospheric pressure conditions. Under mild conditions, the microwave-assisted process highlighted in the research synthesizes a canvas-like iodine/reduced graphene oxide structure from graphene oxide. Thus, a low-cost, efficient alternative to platinum-based catalysts has been developed.

Advanced Material Development (AMD) has announced further funding of its ChamEM signature management collaboration with the US Army from the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD).

The OSD funding comes from the Foreign Comparative Test (FCT) funding with a view to developing a high TRL solution.

Ni-Co layered double hydroxides (LDH) are seen as promising materials for pseudocapacitor electrodes. Researchers from Chonnam National University and Korea Institute of Science and Technology (KIST) recently conducted a study that focused on the use of graphene oxide (GO) and single-walled carbon nanohorns (SWCNHs) hybrid as an efficient platform for LDH coating materials for supercapacitor electrodes.

The team explained that the novel Ni-Co LDH and GO/SWCNHs composite-based supercapacitor electrode material could be a potential choice for pseudocapacitor applications thanks to its superior electrochemical properties and ease of production, which is ideal for various commercial and industrial applications.

Zentek recently announced it has entered into a Manufacturing and Supply Agreement with Viva Healthcare Packaging (Canada) Ltd. ("VMedCare”) to manufacture and sell surgical masks enhanced with Zentek’s proprietary ZenGUARD™ antimicrobial coating. During the pandemic, VMedCare became one of the leaders in surgical mask manufacturing in Canada with production of between 15 and 20 million units per month. The partnership between Zentek and VMedCare will create a fully “Made in Canada” source of ZenGUARD™-enhanced masks for the Canadian market.

Under the Agreement, Zentek will provide ZenGUARD™-coated spunbond material to VMedCare, who will be responsible for manufacturing and packaging the ZenGUARD™ surgical masks. Zentek and VMedCare’s combined sales teams will work together to secure sales of the ZenGUARD™-enhanced surgical masks.