TGR graphene-aluminium composite10 Jun 2021 09:37
Tirupati Graphene and Mintech Research Centre ('TGMRC'), its graphene and technology development unit, has developed a ground-breaking graphene-aluminium composite (the 'Al-Gr Composite' or the 'Composite'), which exhibits significantly higher conductivity and strength properties over aluminium and comparable to copper. The Company has now engaged with potential end users including a FTSE 100 company for its potential use replacing copper in thermal, power and propulsion systems, which provides significant advantages owing to reduced weight.
OVERVIEW
The Al-Gr Composite successfully combines graphene with aluminium resulting in enhanced thermal and electrical conductivity and improved mechanical properties retaining aluminium's light weight:
· Micro-hardness increased >300% over aluminium, which is 50% higher than copper
· Thermal conductivity increased to >200% over aluminium, which is better than copper values
· Electrical conductivity increased to >150% over aluminium, which is >95% that of copper; the Company aims to increase this with further optimisation
· The composite is almost free from oxidation and carbide forms of aluminium, a critical achievement breaking the key technological barrier in development of the Composite
Al-Gr Composite has the potential to be used across various electrical and thermal conductivity applications with its significant advantage of weight reduction - wires and cables in motors for electric vehicles, aerospace, space, and satellite technologies, among others.