NanoXplore and Techmer PM to launch graphene-enhanced coating for plastic films

NanoXplore and Techmer PM will commercialize a graphene-enhanced solution for high-performance plastic film applications, including packaging. The GrapheneBlack xGnP Masterbatch is said to improve mechanical strength by 70% and to reduce thickness by up to 20% when compared to traditional alternatives. 

The collaboration makes use of NanoXplore’s proprietary high-surface-area xGnP graphene technology with Techmer PM’s deep films application expertise, compounding capabilities, and customer network. 

Based in Montreal, Canada, NanoXplore is described as the world’s largest manufacturer of graphene. Meanwhile, Techmer PM is a materials design company that specializes in modifying the properties of technical polymers.

Craig Foster, CEO at Techmer PM, comments: “Our partnership with NanoXplore helped us bring a graphene-based solution to market that directly addresses some of our customers’ most pressing performance and sustainability challenges, while also driving meaningful cost savings.”

Rocco Marinaccio, president and CEO at NanoXplore, adds: “The combination of NanoXplore’s new xGnP graphene technology and Techmer’s application development and compounding capabilities produced a breakthrough for our joint customers — one that neither company could have achieved alone.”

“We are excited to build on the synergy and expand our collaboration with Techmer into new application areas.”

NanoXplore filed a provisional patent for GrapheneBlack xGnP Masterbatch in May. The companies will unveil the new product line at the AMI Flexible Packaging Innovation and Recycling Conference in Milwaukee, US (June 24–25).

Supporting performance 

NanoXplore and Techmer PM say that GrapheneBlack xGnP Masterbatch maintains films’ tensile, tear, and puncture performance while increasing the amount of recycled content that can be incorporated into film formulations.

The companies add that this is an advantage for packaging manufacturers navigating regulations targeting circular economy targets.

Techmer PM outlines that it also supports customer development and offers in-house film production capabilities, such as a five-layer blown film line for small-scale sampling and real-world process validation.

According to the materials design company, its sampling and validation allow customers to collaborate directly with Techmer PM and NanoXplore to rapidly iterate formulations, evaluate performance in multilayer structures, and accelerate the overall design and commercialization process.

Last year, researchers at Northwestern University, US, unveiled a water- and oil-resistant material coating developed from graphene oxide, said to reduce exposure to PFAS.