Thomas Swan Advanced Materials announce exciting Graphene collaboration

Thomas Swan is proud to collaborate with nano-materials technology manufacturer Graphene Composites Ltd (GC Ltd) to provide the graphene solution in their GC Shield™ armour products.

The product is the result of a lengthy development collaboration between the companies together with the Centre for Process Innovation (CPI) using GNP-M grade graphene from Thomas Swan in the final application – an endorsement of the company’s ability to manufacture graphene in volume.

The GC Shield™ comes in a range of armour products providing lightweight, mobile protection to individuals and groups, plus effective protection for installation in large spaces. From a lightweight, flexible shield that is both bullet and stab-proof and can fit into a schoolbag, the GC Shield™ Plus has been successfully tested to stop multiple 7.62 x 51mm NATO M80 sniper bullets and AR-15 assault rifle M193 bullets fired at close range. The GC Shield™ Curtain can be deployed quickly, effectively and safely to provide protection in large spaces (e.g. school cafeterias, open plan areas, entrance halls).

Michael Edwards, head of the Advanced Materials Division at Thomas Swan said:

“It is always great to see an end-application that transfers into production demonstrating real-life applications for graphene – something that has been evasive in our market to date. As always there is a learning curve to be developed with a willing partner for a go-to market product, but we are always delighted to reach that point”.

Thomas Swan has a patented process to produce Multiple Layer (MLG) and Graphene Nanoplatelets (GNP) in volume at our facility in Consett, UK. Using our patented process of High-Shear Liquid Phase Exfoliation licensed from Professor Jonathan Coleman’s work at Trinity College Dublin, we have further enhanced the process using our expertise at Thomas Swan, scaling-up to a 20T per year GNP capacity available today. We have the distinct advantage of being an established global player in the chemicals and materials business.

With manufacturing in the UK, a subsidiary company in the USA together with QA, logistics, regulatory and safety management, we are a leader in the field of 2D materials. Sandy Chen, CEO and founder of Graphene Composites said:

“Thomas Swan’s expertise in graphene manufacturing has been crucial to our success in developing our revolutionary armour products. Not only has the high quality and consistent manufacture made this possible but as a company, their willingness to collaborate closely with our Technical Team in our development processes has led to innovative and agile product design and development. This has enabled us to get our products market-ready much more quickly”.