8 Mar 2018 07:00
Applied Graphene Materials plc
("Applied Graphene Materials", "AGM" or "the Group")
AGM collaborates with SHD and Magna Exteriors on the W Motors Fenyr SuperSport car
Applied Graphene Materials, the producer of specialty graphene materials, is pleased to announce the first result of its collaboration with Magna Exteriors ("Magna") and SHD Composites Limited ("SHD") on the W Motors Fenyr SuperSport tailgate. The product is being presented by Magna at the 2018 JEC conference in Paris.
The collaboration has seen Magna enhance the tailgate of W Motors' performance-focused supercar using AGM's graphene-enhanced Epoxy Prepreg, supplied by AGM's commercial partner SHD.
This development follows the launch of a range of AGM graphene enhanced prepreg materials by SHD in March 2017, with SHD subsequently developing an industry-leading graphene enhanced epoxy prepreg system - MTC9810. MTC9810 is a tangible demonstration of the ease by which AGM's "process-ready" graphene dispersions can be adopted by the composites industry, with minimal disruption to existing manufacturing routes, and deliver cost effective performance gains. MTC9810 is supported by a strong mechanical database that exhibits outstanding mechanical properties, particularly in fracture toughness, interlaminar shear strength and fatigue life.
Included in Magna's design, the MTC9810 prepreg aims to mechanically enhance the W Motors Fenyr SuperSport tailgate by offering increased torsional stiffness, interlaminar shear strength and laminate fracture toughness, in addition to improved surface finish, in-service fatigue life and enhanced properties under hot and wet conditioning.
This first successful collaboration project has enabled the team to develop a strong baseline knowledge to take graphene technology even further. The long-term aim of the collaboration team is to build on the delivered baseline mechanical enhancements and ultimately move towards designing in many of graphene's multi-functional capabilities on future joint development programs, to offer additional benefits such as extended life moisture barrier performance, conductivities and even energy storage.
Jon Mabbitt, Chief Executive Officer of Applied Graphene Materials, said:
"I am delighted that AGM graphene enhanced composite materials have been showcased on automotive end products at the JEC. We are confident that AGM's graphene can deliver significant benefits to the composites sector and we are pleased to be making progress towards application in a number of end industries through our valuable collaborations with industry partners such as SHD and Magna."
Dr. Joseph J. Laux, Global Director of Material Science - Exteriors, Magna Exteriors, said:
"Graphene represents an exciting new technology and early application successes require strong and open collaboration. Our Global Materials Science Group selected working with AGM, and adopting SHD's prepreg material, because of their early innovation lead and undoubted commitment to support on-going materials developments and technology optimisation."
Ends
For further information, please contact:
Applied Graphene Materials +44 (0) 1642 438 214
Jon Mabbitt, Chief Executive Officer
Gareth Jones, Chief Financial Officer
N+1 Singer +44 (0) 207 496 3000
Richard Lindley / James White
Hudson Sandler +44 (0) 207 796 4133
Charlie Jack / Emily Dillon
Notes to Editors
Applied Graphene Materials was founded by Professor Karl Coleman in 2010 with its operations and processes based on technology that he initially developed at Durham University. The Group is based at the Wilton Site on Teesside and was admitted to AIM in November 2013, initially raising £11 million.
The Group has developed proprietary bottom-up processes which are capable of producing high purity graphene nanoplatelets using a continuous process. The manufacturing processes are based on sustainable, readily available raw materials and therefore do not rely on the supply of graphite, unlike a number of other graphene production techniques. Applied Graphene Materials owns the intellectual property and know-how behind these processes.
Applied Graphene Materials works in partnership with its customers using its knowledge and expertise to provide bespoke graphene dispersions and formats to deliver enhancements and benefits for a wide range of applications.
Magna Exteriors, a wholly-owned operating unit of Magna International, is a top provider of award-winning automotive exteriors. Recognized globally as an innovator in all aspects of vehicle exteriors, Magna provides everything needed, from materials development and design through manufacturing and assembly, to create sleek, state-of-the-art vehicles across the world. Their portfolio includes fascia systems, exterior trim, modular systems, class-A body panels and structural components.