Researchers from the University of Nevada have investigated the introduction of graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) and hexagonal boron nitride (hBN) to canola oil to improve its tribological properties, as part of an effort to reduce the usage of lubricants based on petroleum as lubricants for reducing abrasion and friction.

Three nanoscale lubricating combinations were created by combining both GNP and hBN settings in varied ratios to get the best beneficial synergy. The team reports that lubrication quality and performance may be increased by using low-weight percentages of nanoparticle (NP) and microparticle additions. One benefit is that it has a reduced coefficient of friction (COF) and wearing.

Applied Graphene Materials (AGM), the producer of specialty graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) dispersions, has launched a range of industrial anti-corrosion primers based on its Genable technology.

Graphene nanoplatelets have been shown to provide highly effective barrier and anti-corrosion properties in paints and coatings at extremely low loading levels. AGM reports that following outstanding results through extensive inhouse research and testing, it has developed two new prototype paint systems using its graphene products.

Versarien announced its interim financial results for the six months ended 30 September, 2021. Revenues were £3.82 million (up 41% from £2.71 million in H1 2020), while reported net loss was reduced to £3.11 million (down from £4.34 million in H1 2020). At the end of the period, Versarien had £3.46 million in cash and equivalents.

The company is now focused on two main application areas, textiles and concrete - for which it sees excellent opportunities in the near future. Versarien is increasing its production capacity. It has recently acquired graphene manufacturing assets in Spain, which will provide an additional 100 annual ton capacity, it has ordered equipment that will enable it to increase graphene ink production capacity by 12,000 liters per year and it has signed a lease on a new dedicated graphene production facility in Gloucestershire.

Versarien has announced a commercial collaboration agreement with DKH Retail Limited, the worldwide wholesale distribution subsidiary of global fashion brand Superdry, to produce graphene-enhanced clothes.

Through the partnership, Superdry will develop graphene-enhanced garments, using Versarien's GRAPHENE-WEAR^TM technology, aiming to utilize graphene's thermal and moisture management properties into its garments.

Directa Plus has stated that its graphene technology is being used in a newly-launched high-tech range of trail shoes.

Directa Plus said a specially developed graphene membrane is integrated into the lining of the norda 001 G+ Spike high-performance trail shoes, which are now available for consumer purchase.

First Graphene (FGR) has announced that it has signed a Deed of Variation with newGen Group for the supply of its PureGRAPH product line for inclusion into the newGen ArmourGRAPH protective products for the mining industry.

newGen recently launched its ArmourGRAPH protective mining wear liners and elastomeric coatings, based on successful trials whereby a six-fold extension of wear protection was documented. Following successful trials, newGen has now moved to a production phase.

CPI and Thomas Swan have teamed up with Johnson Matthey (JM), a company focused on sustainable technologies, to explore how to best optimize battery technology using graphene and CNTs.

The ICE-Batt project receives funding support from the Faraday Battery Challenge, managed by Innovate UK the UK’s innovation agency to enable the investigation of how innovative carbon nanotubes (CNTs) and graphene nanoplatelets (GNPs) can improve battery performance. In addition, the project will explore how to improve the green credentials of battery processing.

Northwestern University researchers have added graphene nanoplatelets to cement, resulting in smarter, more durable and highly functional cement.

With cement being the most widely consumed material globally and the cement industry accounting for 8% of human-caused greenhouse gas emissions, civil and environmental engineering professor Ange-Therese Akono turned to nanoreinforced cement to look for a solution. Akono, the lead author on the study and an assistant professor in the McCormick School of Engineering, said nanomaterials reduce the carbon footprint of cement composites, but until now, little was known about its impact on fracture behavior.

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".

Applied Graphene Materials has announced that its partnership with Tru-Tension has resulted in the launch of a new detailing spray enhanced with AGM’s graphene nanoplatelet technology.

UK-based Tru-Tension designs and manufactures products for biking enthusiasts, that include tools, cleaning products, lubricants and accessories. Following in-house research and testing, the manufacturer claims that the new formulation enhanced with AGM’s industry-leading Genable® graphene dispersion technology delivers extended performance benefits.