Graphene Enhances Strength Quality of PE Films

Graphene Polyethylene Masterbatch Delivers Unparalleled Durability and Cost-Savings For Plastic Packaging Films

20-Nov-23

Gerdau Graphene, the nanotechnology company’s Poly-G PE-07GM polyethylene masterbatch is suitable for the production of films, profiles, and sheets formed through the extrusion processes. The new thermoplastic products created using Poly-G PE-07GM are proven to be stronger and offer greater overall performance while costing less to manufacture and producing significantly less waste across the value chain.
Poly-G PE-07GM was piloted in a series of industrial applications, including as a film for construction nail packaging. Gerdau found that by using the new, 25% thinner graphene-enhanced plastic film, far fewer nails perforated the packaging. As a result, Gerdau reported a 39% reduction in the volume of discarded damaged packaging and a 7% increase in film productivity.

The application of Poly-G PE-07GM increases the mechanical and thermal properties of polyethylene in addition to enhancing its processability and allowing the development of thinner final products. Benefits that can be achieved with the addition of graphene to polyethylene include:
Improved gas barrier properties
Higher UV resistance
Higher stiffness and tensile strength
Reduction in the coefficient of friction (COF)
Higher thermal stability
Higher thermal and electric conductivity
Better processability

"Thermoplastics such as polyethylene are critical to most commercial business operations around the world, particularly in retail, logistics, and industrial environments. Improving the material qualities of polyethylene has a meaningful impact on its sustainability in addition to cutting down on costs," said Alexandre Corrêa, CEO of Gerdau Graphene. "By adding specialized graphene additives to thermoplastic recipes, plastic producers can create stronger, more durable plastic products at lower cost and with far less virgin resin needed. Lower consumption of virgin resin means that less plastic becomes post-consumer waste, improving the overall sustainability of the final product developed. There are also downstream effects, including reductions in manufacturing waste, energy consumption, transportation, and more. And, circularly, we believe that soon plastics may be recycled into graphene and then reused."

Source:- Gerdau Graphene