Nordic deep-tech startup Graphmatech announced the launch of a new innovative range of polymer-graphene composites, AROS Polyamide-Graphene, poised to revolutionize H₂ storage and transport applications. The company has also secured a $9.2-MM grant from the Swedish Energy Agency to support this breakthrough, which promises to significantly reduce harmful H₂ leakage into the atmosphere.

H₂ is approximately 11 times more harmful to the environment than carbon dioxide over a 100-year period, and so any leaks from H₂ storage and transport can significantly contribute to climate change. Moreover, H² leakage poses substantial financial risks and safety hazards, particularly in enclosed spaces where the gas can accumulate and create explosion risks. Graphmatech's breakthrough comes at a vital time for the H₂ economy, with McKinsey & Company projecting H₂ demand to grow significantly to 2050, meaning that infrastructure scale-up and technology advancements are needed to meet demand.

The company's unique focus on graphene applications, rather than raw material production, positions it strategically within the supply chain to drive widespread adoption of this transformative technology. By 2027, Graphmatech's solution is expected to be implemented in approximately 1,000 light commercial vehicles and 500 heavy commercial vehicles. The projections for 2032 are even more ambitious, with an anticipated implementation in 750,000 light commercial and 250,000 heavy commercial vehicles. This significant adoption could potentially lead to a substantial reduction in CO₂ emissions, estimated at 50,500 tpy by 2027 and an impressive 450,000 tpy by 2032.

Graphmatech’s new range of polymer-graphene composites combines polyamide grades (types of plastic with different properties and applications) with graphene (a single layer of carbon atoms known for its strength and conductivity), effectively blocking H₂ from escaping while also making the plastic stronger. This material is particularly well-suited for type IV composite pressure vessels (CPVs), a common H₂ container design featuring a polymer liner to prevent leakage.

Graphmatech’s uniquely designed production process for combining polyamide and graphene solves a major problem that has long stumped scientists: how to prevent graphene particles from clumping together (agglomeration) during upscaling. This clumping issue has previously limited graphene's use in industrial applications. Graphmatech's innovative AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites prevent graphene agglomeration, delivering unparalleled performance gains over existing commercial solutions.

This breakthrough enhances polyamide's competitiveness against metal in type IV CPVs improving both safety and design flexibility. The result is increased design freedom, enabling thinner, more efficient constructions. The AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites can also be utilized as a replacement for existing solutions, allowing significantly lower H₂ permeation, increasing safety margins, and decreasing the CO₂ footprint of the final pressure vessel design.

The AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites include both ready-to-use compounds and concentrated masterbatches (additive blends). The range of AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites include the AROS Polyamide-6 (PA6) Graphene and AROS Polyamide-11 (PA11) Graphene composites, which feature the following properties:

AROS Polyamide-6 Graphene

• Decreased H₂ leakage by up to 83% compared to traditional commercial solutions
• Increased tensile modulus (strength) by up to 98% and ultimate strength by 38% compared to commercial solutions
• Proven blow-mouldability and good parison strength (can be shaped into hollow forms using industrial blowing techniques, while maintaining structural integrity during the manufacturing process).

AROS Polyamide-11 Graphene

With only a small amount (4% by weight) of AROS Polyamide-11 Graphene, it can achieve:

• Decreased H₂ permeability of PA11 commercial benchmark by 68%
• 160% increased elongation capability before breakage occurs
• 12 % boost in the material's ability to handle impact at room temperature.

The launch of the AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites coincides with Graphmatech securing a $9.2-MM grant from the Swedish Energy Agency. The grant will support the development and deployment of a state-of-the-art modular mobile pilot-scale extrusion line for Graphmatech's polymer-graphene materials tailored for H₂ applications. Additionally, it will enable the company to develop, test, demonstrate, and certify type-IV pressure vessels for H₂ storage and pipes for H₂ transportation. This project aims to verify the innovative and modular extrusion line at a pilot scale under full operating conditions, demonstrate the functionality of bio-based polymer polyamide-11-graphene composites in type IV CPVs, and investigate the recyclability of polymer-graphene composite-based type IV CPVs. The grant underscores the potential of Graphmatech's technology to contribute significantly to a more sustainable future and accelerate the transition to a H₂-based economy.

"The range of AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites exemplify our commitment to pushing the boundaries of sustainable innovation. By infusing traditional materials with the 'miracle' properties of graphene, we're enabling a new era of safer, more efficient H₂ infrastructure that can significantly reduce CO₂ emissions on a global scale," said Dr. Mamoun Taher, founder and CTO of Graphmatech, “As a deep-tech for climate startup, we've not only solved the challenge of graphene commercialization but also removed risk in its industrial adoption. With the AROS Polyamide-Graphene composites and the support of the Swedish Energy Agency, we're providing multiple sectors with the tools to future-proof their operations, enhance productivity, and strive for true sustainability."