European Plastics News posted an article on it’s site last week,("Graphene developers seek routes out of the lab"), focusing on challenges to and progress in the commercialization of graphene, specifically its "potential as a mutlifunctional reinforcement in composites".
Among the challenges the article raises are:
1) Entangling of 3D carbon nanotubes (CNTS) bundles
2) Individual graphite sheets restacking themselves
3) Handling of such shets during transportation to processing facilities
4) Reduction of costs of production and transportation
5) A need to develop standard operating procedures for potential health hazards
While these challenges may seem daunting, the success of three companies – Vorbeck Materials of Maryland,Cabot Corporation of Massachusetts, and Thomas Swan & Co., based in the United Kingdom – are highlighted.
The article also discusses the ongoing support of the European Commission (EC) and the UK’s government of research in graphene and how to commercialize it.:
The European Commission is planning to channel €1bn over 10 years into co-ordinated graphene research and commercialisation. The UK government has announced it wants to spend another £50m (€60.7m) to keep the UK at the forefront of graphene research, with the University of Manchester set to host a national institute of graphene research. Commercialisation of graphene by this route could arrive by late 2012.
Converted in US dollars, the EC will be spending $1.278 billion and the UK $78.153 million.
