Directa Plus, the Italian producer and supplier of graphene nanoplatelet (GNP) based products for a wide range of applications, has announced the development of an innovative new membrane containing its signature G+ graphene solution.
The membrane, marketed under the brand names Grafytherm and Grafyshield, is based on a polyurethane film containing G+ and is said to offer water protection as well as high breathability. These benefits are combined with G+’s existing performance benefits which include thermal and electrical conductivity; infrared absorption and bacteriostaticity, or the ability to inhibit the growth or reproduction of bacteria.
The company states that the film has been granted an Italian patent which is currently in the process of being extended internationally. At first, the membrane will have a target audience of apparel brands and manufacturers where Directa Plus’ existing G+ products already deliver increased levels of thermal comfort to wearers based on body heat homogenisation and heat retention.
The company suggests that future developments of Grafytherm and Grafyshield are expected to include smart textile and electronic applications, such as electrical heating and data transmission to provide new functionalities in the furniture upholstery and automotive segments.
Directa Plus also states that the new membrane has been developed in collaboration with its membrane partner, fellow Italian company Novaresin.
Describing the launch, Giulio Cesareo, founder and CEO of Directa Plus, says: “The new membrane builds on the recognised benefits we are already delivering to apparel markets with our sustainably produced G+ graphene products and opens the door to the large global supply chains in automotive and upholstery.
“The grant of patent protection means we can start marketing the exciting potential applications opened up by the film to forward-thinking manufacturers in Italy and globally,” he continues.
Growing portfolio
The launch builds on Directa Plus’ growing portfolio of internationally patented products. In July 2019, the company strengthened its global portfolio by announced the grant of a patent by the United States Patent and Trademark Office relating to its technology to produce a water-based dispersion of pristine GNPs.
The technology allows the company to create an ink based on its G+ graphene product. The grant follows the award of a US patent, announced on 27 June 2019, for the company’s core chemical-free graphene manufacturing process which produces GNPs with a high level of purity. High purity GNPs, the company states, feature high carbon content and extremely low oxygen content.
The G+ water-based ink is a highly concentrated dispersion of pristine GNPs which can be increased to a concentration of up to 50% with the addition of a surfactant. The G+ ink, Directa states, can be used in textile applications to provide, for example, flame retardant properties or electrical conductivity, while it can also be used in coating applications such as the production of battery electrodes.
Commenting on the announcement, Cesareo says: ““This grant, following on from the recent grant of patent protection for our core manufacturing process in the US, is another milestone towards launching into US markets and a further demonstration of the strength of our IP portfolio.”
