The company’s first task was to find equipment that could effectively incorporate PureGRAPH powder into the resin. ALT invented a patent-pending process to reduce the size of the graphene agglomerates and evenly disperse the graphene throughout the resin matrix. Manufacturing and shipping delays due to the COVID-19 pandemic pushed commercialization back nearly a year as the company waited for specialized mixing equipment to arrive. After incorporating the equipment into its production line and instituting safe handling procedures for the powdered graphene material, ALT rolled out the first graphene infused pool in May.
Armstrong says that the need for additional equipment and a reluctance to handle powdered material could create barriers for some companies. Consequently, FG is developing a liquid PureGRAPH product and has released a range of aqueous pastes for other applications. Ultimately, Armstrong says, the company would like to see resin manufacturers incorporate PureGRAPH into their master batch solutions.
Meanwhile, Lynley Papineau, managing director at ALT, is pleased with the new GFRP material. “The implementation of PureGRAPH into our company’s range of swimming pools is the beginning of a new era for pre-molded fiberglass swimming pools with greater strength, durability, and water and chemical resistance,” she says.
ALT plans to market its Graphene Nano-Tech pools in Australia, New Zealand and the United States. For the first few years, ALT and FG will partner in an exclusive supply contract. In time, FG expects graphene GFRP technologies to be deployed across the leisure pools industry and in marine, water engineering and sports equipment markets. Emerging prototypes include a graphene GFRP surfboard and the first graphene-enhanced boat, which was built by Ascent Shipwrights in Perth, Australia, and is currently undergoing sea trials.
Melissa O’Leary is a freelance writer in Cleveland. Email comments to melissa@good4you.org.
