Graphmatech launches Aros polyamide-graphene for Type 4 tanks, secures grant

Graphmatech (Uppsala, Sweden) announces the launch of a range of polymer-graphene composites, Aros polyamide-graphene, suitable for Type 4 composite pressure vessels. The company has also secured a 10 million SEK grant (approximately $938,000) from the Swedish Energy Agency to support this development, which aims to significantly reduce harmful hydrogen (H₂) leakage into the atmosphere.

Graphmatech’s range of polymer-graphene composites combines polyamide grades with graphene, which is reported to effectively block H₂ from escaping while also making the polymer stronger. The custom-designed production process for combining polyamide and graphene is also said to solve a major problem for scientists: How to prevent graphene particles from clumping together (agglomeration) during upscaling. This clumping issue has previously limited graphene’s use in industrial applications.

These performance gains are said to enhance polyamide’s competitiveness against use of metal in H₂ storage, improving safety and design flexibility while enabling thinner, more efficient storage construction. Aros polyamide-graphene can also be used as a replacement for existing solutions, enabling lower H₂ permeation, increasing safety margins and decreasing the CO₂ footprint of the final pressure vessel design.

The Aros polyamide-graphene composites include ready-to-use compounds and concentrated masterbatches (additive blends). The range of Aros polyamide-graphene composites include Aros polyamide-6 (PA6) graphene and Aros polyamide-11 (PA11) graphene composites, which feature the following properties:

Aros PA6:

• Reduced H₂ leakage by up to 83% compared to traditional commercial solutions
• Increased tensile modulus (strength) by up to 98% and ultimate strength by 38% compared to commercial solutions
• Blow-moldability and good parison strength, meaning it can be shaped into hollow forms using industrial blowing techniques, while maintaining structural integrity during the manufacturing process.

Aros PA11:

• Decreased hydrogen permeability of PA11 commercial benchmark by 68%
• 160% increased elongation capability before breakage occurs
• 12% boost in the material’s ability to handle impact at room temperature.

According to the company, H₂ is approximately 11 times more harmful to the environment than CO₂ over a 100-year period, and so any leaks from H₂ storage and transportation can significantly contribute to climate change. Moreover, H₂ leakage poses substantial financial risks and safety hazards, particularly in enclosed spaces where the gas can accumulate and create explosion risks.

Graphmatech’s focus on graphene applications, rather than raw material production, positions it strategically within the supply chain to drive widespread adoption of its technology. By 2027, Graphmatech’s solution is expected to be implemented in approximately 1,000 light commercial vehicles and 500 heavy commercial vehicles. By 2032, there is an anticipated implementation in 750,000 light commercial and 250,000 heavy commercial vehicles. This adoption could potentially lead to a substantial reduction in CO_² emissions, estimated at 50,500 tons per year by 2027 and 450,000 tons per year by 2032.

The launch of Aros polyamide-graphene coincides with Graphmatech securing a grant from the Swedish Energy Agency. The grant supports the development and deployment of a modular mobile pilot-scale extrusion line for Graphmatech’s polymer-graphene materials tailored for H₂ applications. Additionally, it enables the company to develop, test, demonstrate and certify Type 4 pressure vessels for H₂ storage and pipes for H₂ transportation. This project aims to verify the modular extrusion line at a pilot scale under full operating conditions, demonstrate the functionality of bio-based polymer polyamide-11-graphene composites in Type 4 tanks and investigate the recyclability of polymer-graphene composite-based Type 4 tanks.

“By infusing traditional materials with the ‘miracle’ properties of graphene, we’re enabling a new era of safer, more efficient H₂ infrastructure that can significantly reduce CO_² emissions on a global scale,” says Dr. Mamoun Taher, founder and CTO of Graphmatech, “As a deep-tech for climate startup, we’ve not only solved the challenge of graphene commercialization, but also removed risk in its industrial adoption. With the Aros Polyamide-Graphene composites and the support of the Swedish Energy Agency, we’re providing multiple sectors with the tools to future-proof their operations, enhance productivity and strive for true sustainability.”