Petronas launches ProTough+ additive, signs JDA with HyPerComp Engineering

Petroliam Nasional Berhad (Petronas, Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia) has launched its third graphene-based solution, ProTough+ under its Advanced Materials portfolio to capture new growth opportunities in line with its energy transition strategy.

ProTough+ is an additive that aims to enhance the strength of composite materials by improving their mechanical properties, which is key in manufacturing and delivery of low-carbon solutions such as hydrogen mobility. Tests conducted on carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRPs) enhanced with ProTough+ have demonstrated an increase of more than 35% in tensile strength (tests were conducted in accordance to ASTM D2290-19a Standard Test Method for Apparent Hoop Tensile Strength of Plastic or Reinforced Plastic Pipe). 

“The creation of ProTough+ demonstrates Petronas’ commitment to continue innovating to provide better solutions that enhance operations, address business pain points and create value toward supporting sustainability practices,” Petronas Technology Ventures Sdn Bhd (PTVSB) CEO Dr. Mahpuzah Abai says. 

In conjunction with the launch, PTVSB and HyPerComp Engineering Inc. (Brigham City, Utah, U.S.) have signed a joint development agreement (JDA) to undertake further performance tests for potential deployment of the solution. Under this collaboration with HyPerComp Engineering — which specializes in end-to-end designing and solutioning of high-pressure vessels  — the parties will look into incorporating ProTough+ into the manufacturing process of composite-overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs).

The JDA is the result of successful initial tests, in which ProTough+ enabled the composite material to reach up to 97% in delivered fiber strength, thereby increasing the burst pressure of high-pressured vessels by up to 5%. 

“We were impressed with the improvement in strength and durability that ProTough+ has delivered in the initial tests,” notes HyPerComp Engineering CEO Daryl Thompson. “We are excited to design lighter COPVs with this product from Petronas.”

ProTough+ is Petronas’ third commercialized graphene-based solution, following the successes of ProShield+ which strengthens coatings’ resistance, and ProCharge+ which extends li-ion battery lifespan.