NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA – Nanotechnology startup TMTP Labs Inc., based in New Orleans, Louisiana, USA, is garnering attention for its significant research and collaboration achievements aimed at industrial-scale production of its graphene products. The company, specializing in graphene and advanced materials research, has recently made remarkable progress in various fields.
In a joint study with the Mississippi Polymer Institute, TMTP Labs compared and analyzed the tensile and flexural strength tests of pure epoxy and graphene-impregnated epoxy. Matt Kelly, co-founder and CEO of TMTP Labs, stated, "We confirmed that adding just 1% of graphene improved tensile strength by over 400%." He further added, "The epoxy resin industry is a huge market with a wide range of applications, including composites, and we expect significant growth in this area."
Shawn Robbins, President and CTO of TMTP Labs, emphasized, "Composites are an industrial sector that aligns with our strengths, and we are dedicating significant effort to it. We have developed a specific process for the functionalization of graphene, which can be applied to various areas within composites, including epoxy and carbon fiber."
Furthermore, TMTP Labs has entered into a collaborative research agreement with Intralox (Harahan, Louisiana, USA), a leading global conveyor solutions company. Through this collaboration, the two companies aim to enhance the durability, strength, and abrasion resistance of plastic materials used in conveyor belts and components by combining TMTP's graphene-based additive technology with Intralox's global manufacturing expertise. According to CEO Kelly, the addition of graphene resulted in an increase of over 50% in the impact strength of Intralox's plastic parts.
President Robbins commented, "The partnership between Intralox and TMTP will contribute to building the foundation of the advanced materials industry in the Louisiana region. As companies rooted in Louisiana, we believe that innovation is possible and will be realized here. We are very pleased to conduct important research with a global industry leader based in Southeast Louisiana."
Looking ahead, TMTP Labs plans to focus on meeting the requirements of various applications, including barrier enhancement to prevent leaks or cracks in composite pressure vessels, and the reinforcement and weight reduction of composite automotive or aerospace interior parts. Additionally, the company is collaborating with the Louisiana Additive Manufacturing Association (LAMA) to research the use of graphene to enhance the performance of polymers used in industrial 3D printing.
About TMTP Labs
TMTP Labs was co-founded in 2021 by Robbins, Kelly, and engineer Tim Rustain, who conceived the idea of developing innovative, scalable, sustainable, and affordable graphene. The company's patented process is a top-down method of exfoliating carbon atom layers from graphite, utilizing a method of attaching graphite to "ice grains." When a graphite solution is placed in a container with ice and mixed into a slurry using an agitator, the carbon atom layers of the graphite separate into thin layers approximately three atoms thick. The water is then removed from the slurry, leaving behind graphene powder.
CEO Kelly explained, "Most graphene exfoliation processes involve methods like milling or explosion, which are effective but can damage the graphene. Our method uses very little energy and equipment and does not damage the material, allowing us to obtain higher quality graphene."
President Robbins added, "Unlike many other processes, our process does not oxidize the graphene, making the powder easier to transport and handle without the risk of explosion."
Currently producing kilograms of graphene at a laboratory scale for research and testing with customers, TMTP Labs plans to expand its production facility to an annual capacity of 20 tons. CEO Kelly stated, "The advantage of our process is that it can be installed in a small space; this equipment will only require 500 square feet."
He also mentioned, "Our goal is to manufacture ready-to-use, plug-and-play products," adding that the company is dedicated to researching the functionalization of graphene powder so that it can be easily dispersed in various plastics and resins.
Potential and Market Trends of Graphene
Graphene is a two-dimensional material in which carbon atoms are arranged in a honeycomb lattice structure. It is known as a "dream material" due to its exceptional electrical, mechanical, and thermal properties.
High Strength and Lightweight: 200 times stronger than steel yet very light, it has the potential to revolutionize structural materials in various industries such as automotive, aerospace, and construction.
Excellent Electrical Conductivity: With electrical conductivity over 100 times higher than copper, it can be used in high-performance electronic devices and energy storage devices.
Superior Thermal Conductivity: Its thermal conductivity, superior to that of diamond, enables efficient heat dissipation in electronic devices.
High Transparency and Flexibility: Its transparent and flexible properties can be applied to wearable electronic devices and flexible displays.
Excellent Barrier Properties: Its superior barrier properties against gas and liquid permeation can enhance the performance of packaging and coating materials.
Market Trends:
The global graphene market is experiencing steady growth driven by continuous technological development and expanding application possibilities in various industries. According to a report by MarketsandMarkets, the global graphene market size is projected to grow from USD 182.7 million in 2023 to USD 736.5 million by 2028, at an average annual growth rate of 31.8%. In particular, the demand for graphene is expected to increase significantly in fields such as composites, electronics, energy storage, and coatings.
TMTP Labs' recent achievements are expected to open up the possibility of mass production of high-quality graphene and play a crucial role in accelerating graphene applications in various industrial sectors. In particular, the company's own innovative production process is expected to secure price competitiveness, and its customized functionalization technology will enable it to actively respond to market demands. The collaboration between Louisiana-based companies is also expected to have a positive impact on the local economy.
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