Graphitene and Hafnium Hafaway to jointly accelerate graphene applications in Petrochemicals
07 February 2018
Graphitene, a UK based, graphene manufacturing and advanced materials development company and Hafnium Hafaway (“Hafnium”), a Singapore based Private Equity advisory and investment company are pleased to announce that they have entered into an exclusive joint venture (“Joint Venture”) to accelerate the commercialization of graphene applications in the Petroleum and Chemicals sector.
Graphene is able to improve the fundamental characteristics and performance of typical petrochemical products, e.g. in polymer, lubricants, base oil, additives, catalysts and coatings by increasing its strength, conductivity, flexibility and load bearing capability. It is stronger, lighter, thinner and more conductive than any other material. The global market demand for Graphene is forecast to grow up to $160m by 2020 and $600m by 2025 (Meta-Market Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute of Germany).
“Hafnium’s focus on the specialty chemicals business, its insights and its connections in the sector together with Graphitene’s technical expertise will accelerate the commercialization of graphene related products” Gaute Juliussen, the CEO of Graphitene commented. This agreement is in line with Graphitene’s strategy to commercialize new applications for its graphene nanomaterials through an industry partnership model.
The joint venture will work with third parties in the Petroleum and Petrochemical sector to develop graphene enhanced products. In particular, specialty chemical is a growing sector with a wide range of product lines and categories. The JV will focus on graphene applications on the following areas: Lubricating Oil/Grease Additives, Coatings and Composites. These are sectors with global market size of more than $5bn each and forecasted growth rates of between 2 to 4% from 2018 -21 (IHS). The cumulative market size for these applications is projected to be more than $50m by 2025 (Meta-Market Analysis, Fraunhofer Institute of Germany).
“Graphene adds unique properties and offers differentiating performance qualities for petrochemical products. We look forward to bringing valued added solutions to new commercial partners in the sector, where the unique properties of Graphene can transform performance for materials operating in demanding environments” Francis Tan, Executive Director for Hafnium added.
About Graphitene
Graphitene is a 2nd generation nanomaterials company engaged in research, development and sale of the highest quality, most advanced form of graphene: graphitene™. It is also a leading innovator in the manufacture and application of natural graphite and functionalized graphene derivatives focused specifically on large volume markets; chiefly concretes, plastics and composites, protective coatings, thin films and membranes, and energy storage.
Through a proprietary scalable ultra-low carbon footprint process Graphitene produces pristine single or few layer graphene and nano-scaled graphite, universally trademarked as NanoCarbon Platelets™, and if in a concentrate compound, Graphitene™.
Graphitene is a complete solutions company that works directly with end-users, and has developed a world-class production facility designed for easy scale up of production to hundreds of tons per year. The product quality has been independently characterized and validated by major corporations, academic institutions and industrial partners.
About Hafnium Hafaway
Hafnium is a sector focused private equity firm investing in small to medium speciality chemicals businesses. Its investments are targeted both in private enterprises and in larger corporate divestments and on applications including Lubricating Oil Additives, Petrochemicals Catalysts, Animal Feed Additives and Water & Oilfield Chemicals; all segments with forecast strong, long run, growth.
Hafnium has built a multi-disciplinary team with extensive experience at the highest levels across the sector both in senior management roles and as advisors. It has core teams based in Singapore and Europe together with an office in the US, to allow it to enhance its ability to identify European and American opportunities where it can boost the acceleration of their Asia Pacific growth.
