Lansing’s XG Sciences Inc. and Massachusetts-based CenoStar Corp., both suppliers of advanced materials, are working together to improve the strength and extend the useful life of concrete.
XG Sciences designs and manufactures graphene nanoplatelets and materials containing it such as XG Concrete, a cement additive that reduces moisture absorption, crack propagation, and gas permeability while increasing resistance to acid attack and freeze-thaw performance.
CenoStar will leverage its knowledge and market channels in various end-use markets for cement additives to distribute XG Concrete.
“Commercial demand for graphene is growing rapidly,” says Roger Foster, CEO of CenoStar. “This agreement allows both parties to leverage their strengths and bring improved performance to new and existing applications in the cement market – it’s an ideal combination of complimentary capabilities.
“XG Sciences brings advanced materials expertise through its graphene nanoplatelet technology and their use in XG Concrete, delivering improved performance and ease of adoption in cementitious applications,” Foster continues. “CenoStar brings in-depth expertise in understanding the needs of the concrete industry. We can advise our customers how to best leverage the performance of XG Concrete in meeting their unique performance requirements and deliver a better product to their end users.”
First isolated and characterized in 2004, graphene is a single layer of carbon atoms configured in an atomic-scale honeycomb lattice. Among many noted properties, monolayer graphene is harder than diamonds, lighter than steel but significantly stronger, and conducts electricity better than copper. Graphene nanoplatelets are particles consisting of multiple layers of graphene. Graphene nanoplatelets have unique capabilities for energy storage, thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, barrier properties, lubricity and the ability to impart physical property improvements when incorporated into plastics, metals or other matrices.
