Apr. 07, 2023
Exclusive Distributor Agreement Signed to Sell Graphene-added Plastic Materials in Japan
Sumitomo Corporation has signed an exclusive distributor agreement with Gerdau Graphene to deal with its graphene-added plastic materials (polyethylene/polypropylene resins) in Japan. We will promote marketing and sales in Japan for graphene-enhanced resins produced by the company.
Graphene is an ultrathin high-performance material that is known for its super-strength, hardness, thinness, and electrical conductivity. Due to these outstanding properties, graphene is expected to be used for many different purposes. However, relevant commercialization efforts are being hampered by a number of technical challenges particularly related to grade (thinness) control during the manufacturing process and fusing the substance into the target resin and other materials.
In response to this issue, Gerdau Graphene has developed proprietary grade control and dispersion techniques to apply graphene to general-purpose plastic materials and related production processes, thus becoming an industry pioneer in the world. This has been made possible by leveraging the company's technical prowess built through its extensive R&D efforts to produce various graphene products in the past. The company is a member of the Gerdau Group, the Americas' largest steel bar manufacturer, and a long-time steel business partner of Sumitomo Corporation.
Polyethylene and polypropylene resins are plastic materials that have extensive industrial applications to the manufacture of a wide range of products, from auto parts, home appliance components, packaging film, and medical equipment, to food containers and many other everyday household goods. By adding Gerdau Graphene's graphene-enhanced resins, even in small amounts, it is possible to increase the mechanical and thermal properties of the target materials as well as achieve production of thinner plastics.
According to Gerdau Graphene, it was found that plastic film can be made 25% thinner with the same or greater strength than conventional films, and that thinner plastic film increase productivity by 7%. This will help to diminish the consumption of polyethylene and polypropylene resins, the major raw materials of plastic products, which will in turn reduce the consumption of naphtha, a product made from petroleum.
Sumitomo Corporation is making multifaceted efforts to reduce CO2 emissions through various businesses, with the aim of becoming carbon neutral in its overall operations by 2050. As part of these efforts, we are pursuing diverse functions of carbon to derive new value from the element, looking to offer new materials for application to various industries and fields using the Sumitomo Corporation Group's extensive networks. By promoting these activities, we will contribute toward fighting climate change and creating a sustainable society.
What is Graphene?
Graphene, a new material discovered in 2004, is composed of natural graphite and is currently known as the strongest substance on Earth. It occurs as a 0.3 nanometer-thick, 1 to 10-layer laminated sheet material formed by carbon atoms bound at high density.
Graphene can be combined with plastic or other materials in a way that enables its outstanding properties to be exhibited in the target materials, and for the purpose of improving material performance specifically in terms of resistance to weathering and oxidation, protection from ultraviolet rays, and electrical and thermal conductivity. As such, the material is attracting broad attention from industry.
What is Graphene?
Graphene, a new material discovered in 2004, is composed of natural graphite and is currently known as the strongest substance on Earth. It occurs as a 0.3 nanometer-thick, 1 to 10-layer laminated sheet material formed by carbon atoms bound at high density.
Graphene can be combined with plastic or other materials in a way that enables its outstanding properties to be exhibited in the target materials, and for the purpose of improving material performance specifically in terms of resistance to weathering and oxidation, protection from ultraviolet rays, and electrical and thermal conductivity. As such, the material is attracting broad attention from industry.
Company profile
| Company name | : | Gerdau Graphene |
| Company name | : | Gerdau Graphene |
| Head office | : | São Paulo, Brazil |
| Representative | : | Alexandre de Toledo Corrêa, President and CEO |
| Representative | : | Alexandre de Toledo Corrêa, President and CEO |
| Establishment | : | 2021 |
| Business details | : | Development and sales of graphene products |
| Business details | : | Development and sales of graphene products |
