OCSiAl Opens Graphene Nanotube Facility

OCSiAl Graphene Nanotube Facility Opens to Drive Momentum in European Coatings Sector OCSiAl, one of the world-leading companies in graphene nanotube technologies, has obtained a construction permit for a nanotube production facility near Belgrade, Serbia. The new nanotube synthesis facility, which will become operational in 2024, will initially have an annual capacity of 60 tons of graphene nanotubes, with capacity to be increased to 120 tons per year within two years. Gregory Gurevich, Senior Vice President of OCSiAl Group, said: "The project will facilitate logistics and reduce supply chain costs. Nanotubes and nanotube derivatives produced in Europe will be primarily supplied to our customers in Central and Western Europe, North America and Asia."

An Easy Route to Next-Generation Coatings with Advanced Safety, Durability and Performance

TUBALL™ graphene nanotubes produced by OCSiAl are a versatile conductive additive for the development of various industrial coatings. OCSiAl's new facility will not only synthesize nanotubes but also produce easy-to-use nanotube-based concentrates specifically designed to simplify nanotube use in thermosets, thermoplastics and elastomers. Graphene nanotubes have been rapidly adopted by the coatings industry because they provide more stable and homogeneous conductivity compared to coatings containing conventional antistatic additives, with significantly enhanced mechanical properties. For example, an ESD-compliant floor containing graphene nanotubes at only 0.01–0.04 wt% provides the ability to produce light-colored finished products and greater control over surface texture. For instance, when added at only 0.03 wt% instead of 4–12 wt% carbon black, graphene nanotubes enable conductive primer coatings that can be produced in light colors when desired for safer and more efficient transportation and storage. Additionally, nanotube-modified coatings exhibit high adhesion strength and toughness vital for storage tanks containing crude oil, fuel, diesel, jet fuel, motor gasoline and similar liquids, as well as resistance to wear, friction and impact. In electrostatic discharge-sensitive industries such as electronics, homogeneous surface resistance without hot spots and independent of humidity is critical. Powder coating with graphene nanotubes provides ESD protection required for equipment as well as aesthetics with a wide range of colors and textures. Electrostatic painting of plastic and metal automotive parts in light colors becomes possible using conductive acrylic primers containing nanotubes. The extremely low dosage required by graphene nanotubes enables the production of light gray primers and thus a reduction in base coat thickness.

Additional Comfort, Functionality and Cost-Efficiency in Paints and Coatings with Minimal Effort

In addition to meeting safety and mechanical property targets mandated by industry standards and regulations, nanotubes expand the functional boundaries of coatings. For example, electrically conductive water-based coatings on home walls not only create a comfortable environment but also contribute to sustainability. Thermal control can be achieved at all times and everywhere with minimum effort and maximum cost efficiency. The unique morphology and properties of graphene nanotubes make it possible to impart additional functionality to textile products through coatings applied to the original fabric. The electrical conductivity provided by nanotubes to textile products makes it possible to achieve high-value functionality for medical textiles, protective workwear, automotive textiles, etc. Textiles reinforced with nanotubes acquire smart features such as ESD protection, thermal control, dust repellency, and touchscreen compatibility. An example of this type is graphene nanotubes that prevent static particles from the surface, repel dust and do not require regular cleaning, maintain a clean appearance inside the vehicle, and can even increase the temperature of leather seat covers if desired. Another example concerns both safety and comfort. Children's slides coated with colored gels reinforced with nanotubes create a conductive network structure in the plastic, allowing electrons to pass safely from the slide without harming the child or medical devices. In conclusion, graphene nanotubes can provide manufacturers with the opportunity to create entirely new coatings on the market for durable, smooth, multifunctional and light-colored surfaces.

Another Step Toward Carbon Neutrality

The use of sustainable solutions based on graphene nanotubes increases production cost efficiency and contributes to reducing CO2 emissions. The low working dosage of nanotubes enables manufacturers to do more with less; the amount of raw material required to create higher-performance products is reduced. Coating sustainability is facilitated by the positive environmental impact of nanotubes through the extended durability of coatings. Moreover, the new facility in Europe has passed environmental impact assessment and operates with 100% green energy. It receives support from Serbian municipal and national governments. The facility is planned to be certified in accordance with ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and ISO 45001 and to comply with the IATF 16949 automotive industry standard. OCSiAl currently has widespread production of nanotube-based products in regions with the highest market demand, such as China, Japan, Sri Lanka, Brazil, Malaysia and similar other countries. The nanotube center in Serbia will work in conjunction with the company's operating R&D center and the planned graphene nanotube synthesis facility in Luxembourg. These projects will significantly strengthen the stability of OCSiAl's supply chain and increase cost efficiency of nanotube technologies for its customers. Hayim Pinhas A.Ş., the official distributor of OCSiAl in Turkey, ensures regular supply of TUBALL™ powders and concentrates that it maintains in stock, and provides technical support from laboratory work through the production stage with its experienced team in all industrial applications utilizing graphene nanotubes. Andrew Dubrovskiy Technical Sales & Business Development Manager EU OCSiAl Europe S.à r.l.