Gerdau intends to explore the full potential of graphene based on the new technology

Gerdau Graphene and Embrapii/Senai-SP signed a partnership agreement for the development of advanced materials for masterbatches with graphene in thermoplastic resins. The unit is located within SENAI Mario Amato, in São Bernardo do Campo (SP), and comprises a center focused on research, development and innovation projects, accredited by EMBRAPII (Brazilian Association of Research and Industrial Innovation), a reference in the state of São Paulo.

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The project is the third research front of Gerdau Graphene, which has an advanced post at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Center (GEIC) at the University of Manchester, in the United Kingdom, and a new technology center for industrial application in partnership with IPT (Institute of Technological Research), in São Paulo.

With SENAI, the goal is to explore the great potential of graphene in polymeric resins, one of the main fields of application for nanographene. Based on the technology developed by the GEIC, the partnership will work on dispersion formulas for industrial applications. Developments will focus on virgin, post-industrial resins and PCRs on PE, PP, PVC, PA, ABS, PS, PC polymers, among others.

The properties of graphene (very high surface area, low density, high aspect ratio, high mechanical, electrical and thermal properties and good compatibility with various polymer matrices) are capable of revolutionizing the sector, and can be applied in various sectors of the plastics industry: rigid and flexible packaging, technical parts, home appliances, automotive and aerospace industries, among others.

How the technology works

The technology acts on two fronts: minimizing the use of graphene to produce and enhancing the use of recyclable materials, both with gains in resistance and sustainability. In addition to improving physical and mechanical characteristics, graphene also has barrier properties, protection against weathering, oxidation and UV and increased electrical and thermal conductivity.

“We will be a reference in graphene products on an industrial scale in Brazil and in the world and, for that, we are creating a network of research centers, an ecosystem for the development of graphene and its application”, declared Alexandre de Toledo Corrêa, general director by Gerdau Graphene.

“SENAI, due to its expertise in polymers, is a strong partner in this regard and constitutes another step towards transforming science into application, producing knowledge, training researchers and building solutions together with the national industry. The first products will be on the market in the first quarter of 2022 and we will have research deliveries with this partnership every six months”, he added.

The Technology coordinator at the SENAI Institute for Innovation in Advanced Materials and Nanocomposites, Gustavo Spina Gaudencio de Almeida, says that the EMBRAPII SENAI/SP – Advanced Materials unit participates in the SENAI Innovation Institute Network and the EMBRAPII/MCTI Graphene Network, developing applied research in Advanced Materials, with a broad focus on graphene, for use in various matrices and applications.

“Gerdau Graphene and SENAI are involved in this project to leverage the use of graphene in Brazilian industry, increasing its level of competitiveness in the face of opportunities resulting from this global macrotrend. The partnership signed at the end of 2021 provides a great opportunity to develop new materials, specifically masterbatches for use in polymers with large industrial applications, highlighting the relevance of graphene for the market,” he said.

Relationship between Gerdau and graphene

In less than a year of existence, Gerdau Graphene already operates as an integrator of the entire graphene chain, through companies, suppliers, investors, scientists, potential customers and public bodies to make this nanographene a reality in the most varied industrial processes.

In addition to technology, Gerdau operates with a focus on sustainability. Gerdau Graphene is part of the company portfolio of Gerdau Next, Gerdau's new ventures division whose goal is to diversify the Brazilian multinational's portfolio with businesses related to steel. In addition to polymers, it also operates in civil construction products, lubricants, elastomers and paints.