Sep 8 2015
The volume graphene platelet production procedure formulated by Versarien, an advanced engineering materials group, has recently received US patent protection. Details regarding the volume graphene platelet production procedure have already been published on June 11, 2015.
Versarien's subsidiary 2-DTech is already a recipient of the European patent protection for its manufacturing procedure, and now along with its partner the University of Ulster, has successfully received US patent protection as per application No. 14/002399 (2014/0044968).
Graphene is a popular nanocarbon material due to its excellent electronic and physical properties, which can be adapted in numerous devices and applications. Versarien’s Board feels strongly that its patented volume graphene platelet production procedure is much more advantageous than the traditional graphene manufacturing procedures currently in use. The Board also believes that its procedure will speed up the commercialization of graphene-based products.
The 2-DTech production procedure involves using a mechanical exfoliation method and an ionic liquid to prepare graphene material from graphite. The outcome is graphene nano platelets possessing purity (of 99% carbon) and high quality.
However, the performance of graphene is not only reliant on its purity, but also the number of atomic layers, as each layer provides optimal performance, thereby allowing maximum graphene strength to be exploited.
A crucial aspect of the 2-DTech production procedure is that it provides single layer graphene in adequate quantities to meet the commercial demands of numerous industrial applications.
North America has a huge market potential for graphene. The US patent protection is therefore a vital stepping stone for Versarien. 2-DTech has clients in myriad fields such as medical, military, and consumer products. All of them are in need of high quality yet cost effective graphene, and keen to grow globally.
Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien, said "We are delighted to have secured a patent in the largest of the global markets which will allow us to accelerate the development of commercial applications for graphene and graphene products. Following the granting of the patent we intend to increase our marketing activities in the US and progress discussions with potential clients there."
Sean Nelson, Head of Technology Transfer at the University of Ulster, said "We are extremely pleased that the IP first developed at the University Of Ulster has now been further strengthened by the granting of the US patent".
James Baker, Graphene Business Director of the University of Manchester, said "As partners of the National Graphene Institute, we are delighted to be supporting the advances of 2-DTech and look forward to seeing the collaborative projects in composites and inks technologies reach the global market place."