Following a collaboration with Alex Thomson Racing, we developed graphene based materials which can be used to improve overall boat performance, reliability and safety.
Potential applications include enhanced mechanical performance for composites used in the boat and lightning strike protection for exposed structures. The latter being a real risk for sailors at sea.
We are also assessing the potential for graphene-enhanced materials to improve bearings and friction points. We are working on this project in collaboration with the Welsh Centre for Printing and Coating (WCPC). The WCPC is advising on the nano chemistry aspects of dispersing our graphene into barrier films and coatings and investigating how specific graphene-enhanced coatings can improve boat performance.
We also have a partnership agreement with Rogers Advanced Composites Ltd (RAC) to develop and commercialise a range of graphene enhanced composites for marine, aerospace and industrial applications. RAC is developing an Advanced Composites Centre in the South of England which the aim is to have a world class facility for advanced composites development and applications.