Join our daily newsletter At The Bell to receive exclusive market insights
- First Graphene (FGR) has executed a supply agreement with Steel Blue for the exclusive supply of PureGRAPH
- Under the agreement, Steel Blue will exclusively source graphene and any other graphite products from First Graphene
- New safety boots incorporating a PureGRAPH sole will be launched by Steel Blue
- First Graphene has ended the day 3.70 per cent in the red with shares trading for 13 cents apiece
First Graphene (FGR) has executed a supply agreement with Steel Blue for the exclusive supply of PureGRAPH10.
In August 2019, First Graphene announced that it was able to successfully incorporate PureGRAPH into a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU).
Previously there have been major limitations in the ability to successfully disperse graphene into a TPU master batch, but as of yet it is not sure why.
Extensive research by FGR has resulted in a manufacturing method which has overcome this.
While existing TPU’s already process high erosion resistance and tensile strength, the incorporation of PureGRAPH has improved mechanical properties while providing additional benefits in thermal heat transfer and chemical resistance.
PureGRAPH are graphene powders available in a range of tonnage volumes from 20, 10 and 5 micrometers.
“PureGRAPH additives are a key enabler in taking elastomers, composites, coatings and concrete materials to a new level and we will continue to seek out further new applications and markets where graphene can add value,” Managing Director of First Graphene Craig McGuckin said.
The products are high performing additives characterised by their high quality and ease of use.
Steel Blue will look to release future work boots with graphene components including a TPU sole.
This will potentially provide new design solutions and improvements in manufacturing processes and the comfort of the boot.
“Steel Blue is committed to developing innovative solutions for our customers. We’re excited by the product we have developed with First Graphene,” CEO of Steel Blue Garry Johnson said.
In November 2019, tests on prototypes were conducted at Viclab, one of Australia’s leading accredited and independent mechanical testing services.
The boots were tested on impact resistance, tear strength, sole crack resistance, slip resistance, and erosion.
By including PureGRAPH additives into the sole, improvements in tear strength and erosion resistance have been measured.
Steel Blue has continued to test different applications and processes with ongoing measuring of outcomes by Viclab.
Upon successful testing, Steel Blue will look to incorporate PureGRAPH into existing and future models of boots.
First Graphene has ended the day 3.20 per cent in the red with shares trading for 13 cents apiece in a $64.13 million market cap.
