Graphene scientists launch elastic brand
A NEW business using graphene to develop innovative high-performance rubbers has been launched out of the University of Manchester.
Grafine has been founded by two university academics, Dr Maria Iliut and Dr Aravind Vijayaraghavan, who are world experts in the high-tech material and its application to rubbers and elastomers.
Based at the university’s Innovation Centre on Grafton Street, the firm will use facilities including the new Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) for its productdevelopment work.
Elastomers and rubbers are used worldwide in products such as tyres, shoes, gloves, industrial components, construction materials, coatings and medical devices.
The global market size for rubber and elastomer products is forecast to be more than £70bn by 2021.
Grafine is looking to exploit the potential of this massive global market and has already excited interest from global manufacturers of elastomer and rubber products.
Dr Vijayaraghavan said: “We are very excited to launch Grafine Ltd because we have the specialist skills and know-how to help global manufacturing companies use new two-dimensional materials like graphene effectively and cheaply.’
“Graphene can further enhance the already excellent properties of rubber and elastomers by improving their strength, elasticity, flexibility, thermal stability, resistance to chemicals and durability.”
Dr Iliut, chief technical officer of Grafine, added: “Our business offers a range of consultancy services to companies wishing to exploit the benefits that these nano-materials can bring to their elastomeric products and coatings.
“Grafine will also sign commercial deals to license its know-how and patents, allowing knowledge and technology transfer to its industrial customers.”
The university’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Graphene Enabled Systems Ltd, has supported the founders and, with assistance from UMI3 Ltd, the university’s IP commercialisation company, created Grafine.