First Graphene and Hexcyl to collaborate on graphene-enhanced HDPE project

First Graphene has announced it is collaborating with Hexcyl to develop PureGRAPH enhanced HDPE materials for use in Hexcyl’s range of oyster baskets and long-line farming systems.

High-density polyethylene (HDPE) is a thermoplastic polymer produced from the monomer ethylene. With a high strength-to-density ratio, HDPE is used in the production of plastic bottles, corrosion-resistant piping, geomembranes and plastic timbers. The incorporation of high-performing PureGRAPH additives will seek to improve the mechanical properties of the HDPE, while at the same time provide greater longevity of the systems in high energy farming environments.

Hexcyl Systems offers oyster farmers and shellfish farmers a wide range of shellfish aquaculture products designed for Adjustable Longline Shellfish Farming and other tidal systems. The products are manufactured in Australia and sold globally.

PureGRAPH additives will be supplied to Hexcyl’s masterbatch and injection molding companies over the next two weeks.

Craig McGuckin, Managing Director for First Graphene, said: Working with Hexcyl Systems with their requirement for additional mechanical improvement is yet another industry where PureGRAPH may provide benefits to material enhancement.