Carborundum Universal Ltd. (CUMI) has joined forces with the Digital University of Kerala to establish a Center of Excellence for the large-scale commercialization of graphene. This collaboration aims to further research and development efforts, harnessing the immense potential of graphene and exploring its game-changing properties for various industries.
Carborundum Universal Ltd. (CUMI), a renowned global leader in advanced materials, has recently partnered with the Digital University of Kerala to establish a Center of Excellence focused on the large-scale commercialization of graphene. Graphene, known for its remarkable properties, such as ultra-light, super strong, flexible, and impermeable, offers endless possibilities for futuristic applications.
Building upon its 70-year history of expertise in material science, CUMI has become a pioneer in graphene research and applications. The company has invested in research and development and set up an exclusive production facility that manufactures various grades of graphene and related products. This facility, an impressive 12,000 square feet, is equipped with state-of-the-art equipment and can produce graphene powders, masterbatches, and proprietary formulations of graphene additives for diverse applications.
Recognizing the immense potential of graphene, CUMI understands that its large-scale commercialization requires further investment in research to address challenges such as cost, identifying suitable types of graphene for specific applications, ensuring consistent availability, and developing expertise in processing the material. The collaboration with the Digital University of Kerala aims to advance research and development efforts on graphene, promoting knowledge sharing and innovation.
Dr A P James, the Digital University of Kerala professor, expressed excitement about the partnership, highlighting graphene’s ability to revolutionize various industries. Graphene’s unique properties, including its ultra-lightweight, strength, flexibility, transparency, impermeability, and superconductivity, pave the way for new and exciting innovations across multiple sectors.
M V Sivakumaran, Senior VP and Business Head of CUMI’s Electro Minerals Division, emphasized graphene’s potential to revolutionize electronics, energy storage, medicine, and transportation due to its exceptional properties. As a leading player in materials science research and applications, CUMI is committed to unlocking the potential of graphene. The Center of Excellence at the Digital University of Kerala will serve as a platform to further CUMI’s research and development efforts, fostering the creation of tailored solutions for various industries and applications.
CUMI’s scientists and experts are actively exploring the application of graphene in energy storage, renewable energy, automotive, manufacturing, construction, defence, and aerospace. One of their key projects involves the development of graphene-based composites for lighter and stronger aerostructures and body armour products. The company’s research team has also filed a patent for preparing highly conductive grades of nitrogen-doped graphene through instantaneous thermal processing, with potential applications in supercapacitors, batteries, and fuel cells.
With a strong focus on research and development, CUMI has solidified its position as a pioneer in graphene research and applications. The company firmly believes that graphene will revolutionize the materials industry in the coming years, and its efforts aim to realise its full potential.
