First Graphene’s (ASX:FGR) PureGRAPH significantly improves rubber polymers

• First Graphene (FGR) has provided an update on the process of incorporating PureGRAPH into rubber compounds to be used in the mining industry
• Earlier this year, First Graphene began manufacturing its PureGRAPH graphene powder into rubber polymers alongside experienced rubber consultants and processors
• So far, lab testing has demonstrated the benefits for multiple graphene-enhanced rubber compounds using a two-roll mill
• The tests have also demonstrated that PureGRAPH improves rubber compounds in mining screen media and wear-liner materials
• First Graphene will use the results to introduce PureGRAPH into other compounded rubber materials
• Company shares have dropped 3.70 per cent and are trading for 13 cents

First Graphene (FGR) has provided an update on the process of incorporating PureGRAPH into rubber compounds to be used in the mining industry.

Earlier this year, First Graphene began manufacturing its PureGRAPH graphene powder into long-chain rubber polymers. The work has been conducted alongside an experienced, Perth-based rubber consultant and an established rubber processor in Malaysia.

Laboratory and commercial-scale tests were completed on more than 35 compounds using a variation of formulations.

So far, the laboratory testing demonstrated the benefits for a number of graphene-enhanced rubber compounds using a two-roll mill.

The tests have demonstrated that PureGRAPH improves rubber compounds in mining screen media and wear-liner materials.

Specifically, incorporating PureGRAPH in the base material used for mining screen or wear media compounds saw a 20.3 per cent improvement in ultimate tensile strength.

Additionally, Die C tear resistance improved by 25.8 per cent and abrasion resistance improved by up to 66 per cent. Improved abrasion resistance and tear strength is particularly crucial for longevity of screen media.

“The initial work demonstrates a low dosage of PureGRAPH provides improvements over the base material most commonly used for the mining screen media market,” Managing Director Craig McGuckin said.

“The results so far provide the platform to introduce PureGRAPH into other compounded rubber materials both in industrial and domestic use,” he added.

Client compounded PureGRAPH enhanced rubber screens are currently undergoing field trials in WA’s mining industry. Further lab testing is also underway on additional rubber compounds.

Company shares have dropped 3.70 per cent and are trading for 13 cents at 3:41 pm AEST.