First Graphene (ASX:FGR) to test PureGRAPH in natural rubber

• First Graphene (FGR) has initiated a research program to incorporate its PureGRAPH graphene powder into natural rubber products
• The introduction could be revolutionary, as graphene is considered the world’s “thinnest, strongest and most conductive material”
• The company has contracted an experienced rubber consultant and is also working with a Malaysian rubber processor to facilitate the incorporation
• While initial compounding has already begun in Perth, the research could take between six to twelve months
• First Graphene’s share price is up 24 per cent, trading for 15.5 cents per share

First Graphene (FGR) has initiated a research program, to test the introduction of its PureGRAPH graphene powder into natural rubber products.

The introduction could be revolutionary, as graphene is considered the world’s “thinnest, strongest and most conductive material.”

The company has previously had great success in introducing PureGRAPH into a range of polymers and other materials. These include polyurethane, thermoplastics, and glass composites. Now, First Graphene has set its sights on improving the performance of a range of natural rubber product lines. 

Natural rubber products have wide-ranging applications, and are used in numerous industries and consumer products. These include consumer goods, manufacturing, automotive, and medical industries. The company is particularly interested in the mining screen media market. 

With its extensive experience in combining PureGRAPH with other materials, First Graphene is confident about this next venture. The company will incorporate PureGRAPH into the rubber, resulting in a number of improvements in mechanical properties. These include improvements in strength, tear resistance, and abrasion resistance. 

To this end, First Graphene has contracted an experienced rubber consultant to oversee the development project. The company is also working with an established Malaysian rubber processor.

A Malaysian process factory has already provided compounded rubber base materials to First Graphene. As such, the company has commenced initial compounding in Perth. 

First Graphene expects that its research will take between six to twelve months. During this time, the company will provide regular updates as the development project progresses. 

First Graphene’s Managing Director, Craig McGuckin, said that research is critical to expanding the range of materials which PureGRAPH can improve.

“Being able to move into this research is another demonstration of the benefits of FGR being the only manufacturer of high-performing, high-quality graphene nanoplatelets available at an industrial scale,” Craig stated.

We remain the only entity with regulatory approval to sell graphene in the UK, Europe, and Australia. As a result, we have a ‘first-mover’ benefit in developing a sales pipeline,” he explained.

First Graphene’s share price is up 24 per cent, trading for 15.5 cents per share at 10:46 am AEST.