Functionalised Graphene

Through our tailored approach of selecting and processing the right Graphene and nanomaterials for your application, we have developed a ‘range’ of additives to improve the mechanical strength and increase the electrical and thermal conductivity of products. Haydale has developed an exciting portfolio of functionalised nano enhanced additives for thermoset and thermoplastic composites, elastomers, inks and coatings.

Functionalised Graphene

While on paper Graphene has the qualities that collectively should make it an ideal material for a wide range of applications, it hasn’t been used extensively to date because it is inert and hard to mix, making it difficult to mass produce at a relatively low cost.

There are many types of Graphene produced primarily using chemical vapour deposition (CVD) and exfoliation from graphite for commercial application. Haydale does not produce Graphene, but has access to more than 250 grades, all of which have been analysed for the perfect application.

So now that we know the right materials for the application, the next point that we have covered is how Graphene is used in a product.

The Graphene Challenge

Often referred to as the ‘Graphene Challenge’, before it can be used as an additive, Graphene needs to be functionalised so that it stays stable within the matrix.

In its raw material state, Graphene along with other nanomaterials are inert. To unlock them so they can be used in application can involve chemical processes or methods that involve long production times through high shear mixing.

Haydale has developed a powder-to-powder process that overcomes this problem called ‘plasma functionalisation’.

Plasma Functionalisation

Many nanomaterials, including Graphene, come as powders. They are inert and don’t like to mix. They need a surface treatment to make them effective in application.

People have been trying to solve the challenge using other methods, but they rely on surfactants, mixing or wet chemistry all of which suffer from a lack of stability and scalability. They can be time consuming and can produce high levels of effluent and still products underperform.

Haydale’s HDPlas© method is a dry, clean, and friendlier process to the environment that unlocks the properties of graphene to give products improved mechanical strength and increased electrical and thermal conductivity.

Process Control

The process allows fine control of the chemical structure of the Graphene to allow it to readily disperse into different media such as water, inks and elastomers.

The ‘powder in, powder out’ patented process unlocks the potential of functionalised Graphene in widespread applications from biomedical and security devices and heating products to tyres and shoes, paints and coatings.

Available in a range of powdered, aqueous and solvent-based pastes, or as a customised masterbatch, the Haydale functionalised Graphene product portfolio can easily be incorporated into existing production processes.