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ADVANCED MATERIALS & PROCESSES • NOVEMBER-DECEMBER 2014 18
The future of graphene
With widespread interest and excitement regard-
ing the potential for graphene to revolutionize a
plethora of markets, including electronics, energy,
transport, and consumer products, there is a consider-
able global push to achieve successful commercializa-
tion. Using a top-down or bottom-up manufacturing
route in conjunction with surface modification
processes, these materials can be incorporated into
inks, polymers, composites, and coatings to exploit
electrical or thermal conductivity or add enhanced
mechanical performance.
Realizing graphene’s potential lies in attaining ho-
mogeneous dispersion and strong chemical bonding
with the matrix of a target material, and these properties
can be achieved by effective surface functionalization.
Of the range of available technologies, the low temper-
ature plasma process has proven effective in achieving
the required surface functionalization. Compared to
acid-based processes, functionalization via plasma is a
clean, low energy process that avoids generating haz-
ardous waste chemicals.
The potential of nanomaterials to solve engin-
eering challenges and develop new and improved
products is being implemented. Successful commer-
cialization depends on a multitude of factors, and in
the case of graphene, market demand is widespread
and the raw material sources are numerous. With func-
tionalization identified as a critical factor and a com-
mercial route established, graphene’s full potential can
now be realized.
For more information: Martin Kemp is business develop-
ment director, Haydale Ltd., Clos Fferws, Parc Hendre, Capel
Hendre, Ammanford, Carmarthenshire, SA18 3BL,
+44 (0)1.269.842.946, , .
References
Graphene Markets, Technologies and Opportunities 2014-
2024. 2014.
2.
Tanya Powley, UK Appears Behind in Race
to Develop Graphene, Financial Times, May 2014.
3. R.J. Young, et al., The Mechanics of Graphene Nanocom-
posites: A review, Compos. Sci. Technol., Vol 72, p 1459-1476,
2012.
4. R.J. Zaldivar, et al., Strength Improvements in Toughened
Epoxy Composites Using Surface Treated GnPs, Appl. Polym.
Sci., Vol 131, p 9534-9540, 2014.