Graphene NanoChem, the performance nanochemicals and advanced materials company, is pleased to announce that Platinum NanoChem Sdn Bhd, its wholly-owned subsidiary has signed a heads of agreement for a joint venture collaboration (“Joint Venture”) with Emery Advanced Materials (“Emery”), a subsidiary of Emery Oleochemicals Sdn Bhd., focused on developing a new generation of speciality chemicals for plastic additives, biolubricants and rubber.
Emery Group is one of the world’s largest producers of oleochemical products derived from renewable sources, with market presence in North America, Europe and Asia.
This agreement is in line Graphene NanoChem’s strategy to develop new applications for its graphene nanomaterials through an industry partnership model. The combined market for the three application areas is estimated to exceed US$100 billion. Through the planned joint venture, Emery and Graphene NanoChem will work together to create a plan based on market dynamics for the development of a new generation of ready-to-use graphene-enhanced speciality chemical additives for the end markets identified.
The enhancement of this new range of chemicals with graphene will improve the fundamental characteristics and performance of the end host materials, be it in rubber, polymer or lubricants, by increasing its strength, conductivity, flexibility and load bearing capability.
The joint venture will be a strategic step change for Graphene NanoChem, as it will enable the Group to partner with the world’s leading natural-based chemicals provider and leverage on Emery’s position to accelerate the market adoption of graphene-enhanced products across Europe, North America and Asia.
Jespal Deol, Chief Executive Officer of Graphene NanoChem, commented: “We are very excited about developing this new applications platform with a global market leader in the production of speciality chemical additives. This represents a significant opportunity for us in expanding our commercialisation efforts for graphene-enhanced chemicals into high value market segments. For example, working with Emery, which is headquartered in Malaysia, on rubber applications provides a natural advantage as Malaysia is one of the world’s largest producers of natural rubber, and applications for thinner condoms and stronger medical gloves present immediate opportunities for the planned joint venture.”
Ramesh Kana, Senior Vice President, Emery Oleochemicals & Managing Director of Emery Advanced Materials, explained: “We are currently developing the next generation of nanocarbon-based materials which can be used in various applications, from engineered rubber compounds to high performing polyurethane.”
Dr. Kongkrapan Intarajang, CEO of Emery Oleochemicals added: “The Emery Group is committed to innovation in expanding its portfolio of specialty products and the smart partnership with Graphene NanoChem reflects its ongoing development for growth.”