US patent for graphene flame-retardant composition

24 January 2018

Directa Plus plc

("Directa Plus" or the "Company")

Directa Plus awarded US patent for graphene flame-retardant composition

New patent gives further competitive advantage for Directa Plus in textiles segment

Directa Plus plc (AIM: DCTA), a producer and supplier of graphene-based products for use in consumer and industrial markets, announces that the United States Patent and Trademark Office has issued notification that it has granted the Company a patent covering its 'flame retardant composition comprising graphene nanoplatelets'.

The ability of Graphene Plus (G+) to confer flame retardancy on an object without the use of toxic chemicals is a key differentiator for Directa Plus, particularly for targeting the textiles market where manufacturers generally achieve flame retardancy through the addition of toxic chemicals to an object or the use of a chemical after-treatment. This is particularly relevant for workwear, such as for emergency services and manufacturing, and sportswear, such as motorsports.

The patent covers the product and the application of G+ nanoplatelets as a non-toxic, flame retardant additive and the application concerns the ability to use G+ to confer flame retardancy to a final object.

The grant of this patent gives Directa Plus a further competitive advantage and builds on previously received independent certifications that G+ textiles are non-irritating and safe for human skin. This includes a new hypoallergenic certification, received in December 2017, confirming that G+ textiles do not cause allergic reaction in human skin. The Company's production process is chemical-free and this patent and the certifications are important differentiators for Directa Plus as well as being key requirements for some of the Company's discussions within the textile industry as it continues the progress being made in the sector to capitalise on the opportunity for the widespread adoption of G+ materials in this target market.

The Company now has a portfolio of 16 patents granted and 16 pending. The majority of the granted patents relate to Directa Plus' unique manufacturing process, along with some - including this latest patent - being product and application patents.

Giulio Cesareo, Chief Executive Officer of Directa Plus, said: "The receipt of this patent covering the flame retardant qualities of our Graphene Plus is another milestone in establishing our competitive advantage and consolidating our position as one of the leading graphene companies in the textile segment. With growing international demand for flame-retardant products due to more stringent fire safety and environmental requirements as well as an increasing focus on sustainability, there is a significant market opportunity for our chemical-free, non-toxic graphene-based flame retardant additive. We look forward to working with our customers to enhance the performance, safety and environmental credentials of their products."

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About Directa Plus

Directa Plus is one of the largest producers and suppliers of graphene-based products for use in consumer and industrial markets worldwide. By incorporating Directa Plus' unique graphene blends, identified by the G+ brand, its customers can enhance the performance of their end products without significantly increasing their cost. Directa Plus graphene-based products are natural, chemical-free, sustainably produced and tailored to specific customer requirements for commercial applications such as smart textiles, tyres, composite materials and environmental solutions.

Established in 2005, the Company has a patented technology process and a scalable and exportable manufacturing model. It produces graphene-based products at its own factory in Lomazzo, Italy, and can set up additional production at customer locations to reduce transport costs, waste and time-to-utilisation. Directa Plus partners with customers to enable them to offer the high-performance benefits of graphene in their own products.