OXA.L Share News (OXA)

LONDON (Alliance News) - Oxford Advanced Surfaces Group said Monday it is developing capabilities to functionalise graphene using its proprietary Onto technology platform.

The technology firm develops engineered materials and surface modification applications in various markets, including aerospace, communications and renewable energy.

The company saw its shares jump after it said it is currently investigating the use of Onto to modify graphene chemically for multiple applications. The ability to modify the material for solvent or coating, and to improve the chemical interaction and adhesion of the matter is potentially a, "powerful tool in the production of commercially relevant graphene-based applications and products."

The group is researching the applications and requirements for chemically modified graphene in areas such as composites and electronics, it said. In addition, the company is actively seeking partners for co-development of commercial applications with both graphene suppliers/manufactures as well as end users, converters and specifiers.

Oxford Advanced Surfaces said that the material holds much promise, adding, "The use of functional graphene is a fundamental part of new product design and should be factored into the plan for the product in the earliest stages of development."

"The use of graphene in applications such as electronics and composites is an exciting prospect as seen by the materials community. Success relies heavily on the ability to combine graphene with other materials using commercially accepted manufacturing processes. The chemical modification of graphene using the OntoTM technology platform provides a significant potential to open up commercial applications for this exciting material," said Jon-Paul Griffiths, Technical Manager at Oxford Advanced Surfaces.

Shares in the group were trading up 10.59% at 4.7 pence per share in early trading Monday, one of the biggest gainers on AIM.

By Alice Attwood; aliceattwood@alliancenews.com; @AliceAtAlliance

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