Applied Graphene Materials, the producer of specialty graphene materials, is pleased to report positive preliminary findings following independent performance testing on base oils enhanced using graphene produced by the Group. The performance testing was undertaken by BfB Oil Research in Belgium ("BfB").
Base oils are used in a wide range of industries including the manufacture of lubricating greases, motor oils and metal processing fluids.
BfB's initial results demonstrate that low loading levels of the Group's graphene nanoplatelets, within base oils, reduce friction and the wear of metal surfaces. This opens up the route to further development for commercial applications in numerous high performance oils and greases.
Applied Graphene Materials will be sharing the findings of the BfB test programme with its tribology and lubrication industry partners and will also be engaging with other interested parties at the Global Tribology Oil and Lubrication (STLE) Exhibition in Dallas, Texas, between 17 May and 20 May 2015.
Jon Mabbitt, Chief Executive Officer, commented:
"Following on from our recent positive independent coatings trial results, it is pleasing to now receive BfB Oil Research's initial findings on graphene enhanced base oils which indicate that these positive results can be translated to higher volume applications. With a scalable manufacturing process, our growing library of test data and a strong technical team, Applied Graphene Materials is well placed to help its customers apply and exploit graphene in their end products and markets."
Michael Boucher, BfB's Technical Manager, commented:
"The results from our test work are very instructive and show that Applied Graphene Materials' well dispersed graphene nanoplatelets offer the potential for significant property improvements in oils and greases. We look forward to continuing to support Applied Graphene Materials' ongoing development work."
About Applied Graphene Materials
Applied Graphene Materials was founded by Professor Karl Coleman in 2010 with its operations and processes based on technology that he initially developed at Durham University. The Group was admitted to AIM in November 2013, raising £11 million, and is based at the Wilton Site on Teesside.
The Group has developed a proprietary bottom-up process which is capable of producing high purity graphene nanoplatelets using a continuous process. The manufacturing process is based on sustainable, readily available raw materials and therefore does not rely on the supply of graphite, unlike a number of other graphene production techniques. Applied Graphene Materials owns the intellectual property and know-how behind this process.
Applied Graphene Materials works in partnership with its customers using its knowledge and expertise to provide bespoke graphene dispersions and formats to deliver enhancements and benefits for a wide range of applications.
About BfB Oil Research
Based in Belgium, BfB Oil Research is a laboratory specialised in research, product identification, evaluation of physicochemical characteristics and performances, and environmental impacts on all types of fluids, lubricants, cooling fluids, greases, waxes, fuels and detergents. BfB Oil Research is also mandated to ensure the quality control and the conformity of these fluids.
With more than 20 years' experience in industrial, petrochemical and oleochemic fields, BfB benefits from a high level of expertise to meet the very specifics needs of its clients. Moreover, BfB guaranties its analytical performances by a sustained investment in high technology equipment in its laboratory.