Stephen Hodge | Versarien plc.: Is pristine, low-defect graphene actually better for composite functionalization than highly oxidized GO?
17:21 - 18:22
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Is pristine, low-defect graphene actually better for composite functionalization than highly oxidized GO?
Functionalizing graphene for polymer composites often introduces a delicate trade-off between chemical compatibility and structural integrity. Many manufacturers rely on highly oxidized graphene oxide (GO), which offers easy functionalization but suffers from degraded electrical and mechanical properties due to disrupted sp2 hybridization.
Versarien approaches this challenge by keeping their graphene in a highly pristine state, utilizing targeted edge-functionalization rather than basal-plane oxidation. This preserves the core physical properties of the sheets while allowing selective chemistries, such as silanization, to optimize bonding in demanding elastomer and tire applications.
For liquid formulations and inks, the company prioritizes physical dispersion and surfactant engineering over covalent modification. This approach delivers a customizable, "blank recipe" base that allows end-users to tailor the matrix compatibility to their specific polymer systems.
In this short video, you can learn:
* The technical advantages of edge-functionalized, pristine graphene over highly oxidized graphene oxide
* How silanization chemistry is utilized to improve graphene integration within elastomer systems
* The strategic use of additive formulation to maintain polymer compatibility without degrading graphene's inherent properties
đź“‹ **Clip Abstract** Dr. Stephen Hodge answers an audience question regarding Versarien's chemical functionalization strategies for polymer composites. He explains their preference for pristine, edge-functionalized graphene over heavily oxidized alternatives to maximize performance in elastomeric matrices.
#EdgeFunctionalization, #PristineGraphene, #Silanization, #ElastomerComposites, #ConductiveInks, #PrintedElectronics
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06:14 - 07:07
Why should we look beyond graphene to other 2D materials for scalable nanotech?
Why should we look beyond graphene to other 2D materials for scalable nanotech?
Versarien's production strategy employs two distinct, highly scalable technologies for synthesizing 2D materials. The first method, originating from the University of Ulster and optimized at Manchester, produces dry graphene powders. The second is a liquid-phase exfoliation method licensed from the University of Cambridge, yielding stable graphene dispersions.
Crucially, these exfoliation and production processes are not limited solely to graphene. They function as universal platforms that can be systematically applied to other 2D layered materials, including boron nitride, molybdenum disulfide (MoS2), and various transition metal dichalcogenide semiconductors.
This feedstock flexibility allows Versarien to pivot between conductive, insulating, and semiconducting 2D nanomaterials using the same core industrial assets. This provides a robust, cost-effective scaling path for advanced electronics and thermal management applications.
In this short video, you can learn:
* How University of Ulster and Cambridge technologies scale up different graphene morphologies
* Why liquid-phase exfoliation serves as a universal platform for processing non-graphene 2D materials
* The dual-track production approach balancing dry powders with liquid dispersions
đź“‹ **Clip Abstract** Dr. Stephen Hodge details Versarien's dual-track manufacturing processes derived from key academic spin-outs. He explains how these universal exfoliation methods are being successfully leveraged to produce other high-value 2D materials like boron nitride and MoS2.
#LiquidPhaseExfoliation, #TransitionMetalDichalcogenides, #HexagonalBoronNitride, #MolybdenumDisulfide, #PrintedElectronics, #ThermalManagement
07:07 - 08:48
Can mixing different graphene flake sizes solve the carbon fiber interfacial challenge?
Can mixing different graphene flake sizes solve the carbon fiber interfacial challenge?
Improving the interfacial shear strength in carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) remains a major barrier to lightweighting in aerospace and automotive applications. Versarien's research reveals that integrating graphene into epoxy, cyanate ester, and bio-resin matrices significantly improves the overall mechanical performance of these high-performance composites.
Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) analysis shows that graphene flake size distribution plays a critical role at the interface between the carbon fiber and the resin. While larger graphene flakes tend to get filtered out and fail to penetrate deep into the fiber bundles, smaller flakes easily navigate the tight interstitial spaces.
By engineered blending of both large and small graphene particle sizes, manufacturers can optimize matrix-to-fiber load transfer. This hybrid morphology maximizes composite toughness, a technique demonstrated practically in the competitive sports equipment of Team GB's Olympic skeleton sleds.
In this short video, you can learn:
* How graphene particle size distribution impacts resin penetration in carbon fiber bundles
* The mechanisms of microstructural alignment at the fiber-matrix interface
* Which resin systems—including bio-resins and cyanate esters—benefit most from graphene enhancement
đź“‹ **Clip Abstract** Dr. Stephen Hodge discusses the microstructural behavior of graphene flakes within carbon fiber composites. He explains how combining different flake sizes optimizes resin penetration and interface performance for extreme aerospace and automotive applications.
#InterfacialShearStrength, #GrapheneFlakeSize, #CFRPComposites, #FiberMatrixInterface, #AerospaceLightweighting, #AdvancedComposites