Directa Plus was established in 2005 in Italy to develop innovative nanomaterial production processes. The company developed its own exfoliation process (which they call G+) that can be used to produce super-expanded graphite, pristine GNPs, water-dispersed GNPs and fine nanographite powder (all of them marketed under the G+ brand).
In 2014, the company inaugurated its 30-ton graphene plant in Lomazzo, Como. In April 2015 Directa Plus received a grant of €5.5 million. The company is involved with several projects and is providing its materials for textile makers, 3D printing, bicycle wheels and environmental applications.
Directa Plus is a public company that trades in the UK AIM (DCTA:L).
The latest Directa Plus graphene news:
Directa Plus' partner, NexTech Batteries, takes a step towards production of graphene-based batteries
Directa Plus recently updated that NexTech Batteries, with which Directa established a partnership for developing next-generation batteries, has established an Italian subsidiary to explore the feasibility of producing cathode active materials in Italy, where Directa Plus' graphene technology will be an important component.
NexTech's subsidiary, called NexTech Italia SpA, will look at producing these materials using Directa Plus' graphene nanoplatelets for the manufacture of lithium-sulphur batteries throughout Europe, "in order to accelerate the technology's commercialization".
Directa Plus receives further reassurance that its GNPs are not absorbed through human skin
Directa Plus has announced it has received positive test results confirming that its graphene nanoplatelets are not absorbed through human skin. The Company said this was the eighth in vitro test to show that there is no absorption potential for the Pure G+ powder.
The study was carried out by an independent third party and followed international standards, using human skin reconstructed in the lab. Directa Plus said successful results from in vitro tests of its hypoallergenic, non-toxic products are vital for their use in textile markets, where customers have to be certain of the safety of the apparel they produce and market.
Directa Plus signs agreements with NexTech Batteries for lithium sulphur batteries
Directa Plus progressed its partnership with U.S-based Lithium Sulphur batteries company NexTech Batteries by signing a 3-year Supply and Strategic R&D agreement for developing next-generation batteries for green mobility, grid storage, aviation and consumer products.
The Supply Agreement, based on a worldwide bilateral exclusivity in the lithium battery field, has an initial duration of three years, with an option to be extended for two years longer. The R&D Agreement, also with a duration of three years, provides for Joint Lab activities with the intention of developing new specific grades of G+ graphene nanoplatelets. Both parties will dedicate selected scientists from their R&D teams and part of their respective facilities to the enterprise.
Directa Plus secures €100,000 EU grant for face masks
Directa Plus has received a grant for its face masks as part of the European Union's Horizon 2020 research and innovation programme.
The Company said that the grant has a total value of €100,000, on a non-refundable basis, and covers a project which is expected to be concluded within the next 8 months. As part of the Inno4Cov-19 Project, the grant will be used to assist Directa's research into using graphene technology to help prevent the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19).
Directa Plus expects a strong 2020 with good progress across all of its vertical markets
Italy-based graphene developer Directa Plus says that it has made "continued good progress" during H2 2020, with new orders and agreements across all of the company's verticals. Directa+ expects its 2020 revenues to reach around €6 million, exceeding current consensus market expectations.
Directa+ says that the improvement has been primarily driven by the sales of G+ enhanced face masks, including Co-masks, which have proven very popular with both individual and corporate customers and have generated strong demand. The strengthening performance of Setcar, the Environmental division, has also contributed to the improved revenue expectations for the current year.