For the first time, Trustwell showcase their latest graphene technology for rubber reinforcement. "This technology was just industrialized in Oct, 2015. It took us over 5 years in R&D with top universities," says Gao Feng, Sales Director of Trustwell.
"The key of technology is, for the first time, 2 Nano meter scale graphene flakes are used as a component for rubber reinforcement..." continues Gao, "2 nanometer means only up 3 layers of carbon atoms in thickness as compared with more than 20 nanometer of the old technology." Gao explains, "the thickness is critical, since only under 5 layers structure is regarded as real graphene and presents properties such as gas barrier, electronic / thermal conductivity, etc... Such properties enable tire makers to develop new product with lower rolling resistance whilst improving grip and traction." Gao adds," it also helps to extend tire life because of lower wear ratio of tire. This will make our world greener..."
"Another advantage of our technology is that the graphene chips are evenly dispersed in whole raw materials, forming a 3D network throughout materials that help strengthen rubber body and distribute heat more quickly than before."
"Graphene is too fine to mix into rubber. We’ve made great endeavors to develop this patented technology that has solved the problem of mixing and produces a grapheme/NR master batch that is as easy to add into raw material as normal components", while showing us the sample of master batch, Gao explains. "It could be used to make tire for aero plane, sport car and military vehicle etc..." Talking about the application of this magic material, Gao gives examples and says it can also be widely used in making engineering rubber and fibers that require strength and/or conductivity of electronic and heat.
"We receive many professional visitors who show great interest in this new material. Some of them are using carbon nanotube or graphene oxide, but none of these materials can compare with graphene that improves both the strength and heat distribution of rubber to such an extent. We believe after the show we will have lots of opportunities with tire makers. Finger cross, a graphene tire is not too far from now," ended by Gao.
It is a historical moment for Trustwell to bring graphene technology to industry. It is also a historical moment for tire industry, just as our slogan predicts: “graphene changes tire”.
