Graphene-reinforced TeXtreme® materials

Purpose and goal

In this project, Oxeon aimed at developing graphene reinforced TeXtreme® materials (GR-TeXtreme®) by integrating graphene in the current production to offer a unique product and gain competitiveness. The project goal was to show that graphene is applicable on TeXtreme® materials and that it improves some of its properties such as thermal or mechanical. With the help of CIT, Oxeon has gained experience in working with graphene and it also raised interest from new sporting goods customers.

Expected results and effects

Thanks to this project, Oxeon has been able to assess the use of graphene in its production. In close collaboration with a European graphene supplier, several graphene dispersions have been produced and evaluated in Oxeon’s production process at a semi-industrial scale. GR-TeXtreme® reinforcements have been produced and composites have been manufactured which were then characterized. Some process challenges have been identified and ways of improvement have been suggested.

Planned approach and implementation

The project work has been divided in 7 work packages over 16 months. CIT has performed some characterization work in parallel with Oxeon’s test runs to better orientate the trials. The collaboration between project participants and graphene supplier has been successful. The graphene supplier was highly involved in the project discussions giving valuable input about the graphene product used.