On the 30th, the Gyeongsangbuk-do Sericulture and Insect Industry Research Institute launched a joint research and development project for "graphene-applied functional silk," integrating cutting-edge nanomaterial technology into the traditional sericulture industry.

Three institutions and companies are participating in the research to verify the commercialization potential of graphene-applied silk by the end of December.

Graphene, often called a "dream new material," is a two-dimensional nanomaterial composed of carbon atoms arranged in a honeycomb lattice. It is drawing attention as a next-generation core material because it is more than 200 times stronger than steel, while also exhibiting outstanding electrical and thermal conductivity and flexibility.

The goal of this research is to develop high-performance advanced fibers by combining the physical and thermal properties of graphene with silk fibers through silkworm biosynthesis.

The Sericulture and Insect Industry Research Institute will be responsible for the entire process, ranging from rearing graphene-fed silkworms to producing cocoons and raw silk. It is the nation's only institution that operates the entire process from mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing to raw silk production, and directly produces raw silk using reeling machinery.

CEBB Science Co., Ltd. will manage the properties and quality of graphene raw materials using graphene dispersion and compounding technology, as well as handle comprehensive analysis and review. Jangsu Silk, a Gyeongsangbuk-do local root enterprise that has preserved the tradition of traditional Hamchang silk for four generations, will leverage its experience in high-quality silk fabric processing to manufacture graphene-applied silk fabrics and review areas for improvement.

This research is significant in that it combines the raw silk production capabilities of the traditional sericulture industry with advanced graphene material technology. It is expected to serve as an opportunity to expand traditional industries into bio- and advanced material convergence industries and confirm the commercialization potential of graphene silk.

Jeong Gi-su, Head of the Gyeongsangbuk-do Sericulture and Insect Industry Research Institute, stated, "By combining the traditional sericulture industry with graphene technology, we will verify the new application potential of graphene silk and support related technology development and demonstration." He added, "We will strengthen the linkage between local sericultural farms and processing/commercialization companies to secure stable market channels and increase added value, while building a cooperative network spanning local farms, processors, and advanced technology enterprises."

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