CompositesWorld
Issue link: https://cw.epubxp.com/i/882089
7 CompositesWorld.com by unzipping an SWCNT or by exfoliation (peeling away single graphene layers) in solid or liquid phase. ese diverse routes offer various combinations of yield, purity and cost and a relatively small number of industrial-scale suppliers. When the raw material supply matures, these new mate- rials still face significant challenges that are not always apparent when research reveals potential outstanding properties. New materials can carry risk and whilst graphene and CNTs promise much, an industry such as commercial aerospace will need to be sure conductive CFRP doesn't impact other properties, such as long-term fatigue performance. Whilst these materials do have some amazing properties, there are also issues. Research lauds graphene's exceptional conductivity, but no way yet exists to easily switch off and swtich on the flow of current, the way it is done with semiconductors such as silicon in microprocessors. is is holding back a breakthrough speed advance in electronics applications. Existing, well-established technologies and supply chains also pose a challenge to graphene and carbon nanotubes as their manufacturers and end-users drive to demonstrate to OEMs collectively that their performance benefits justify both material costs and the cost of change. Outlook for the future Whilst other industry sectors, specifically, energy storage and elec- tronics, are sometimes touted as the biggest prizes for graphene and CNTs, the advanced composites sector appears to have commer- cialized them more rapidly. is trend is expected to continue during the next decade as the global supply base matures and the continued early-stage development of current research projects identifies truly beneficial composite applications. It is difficult to forecast exactly how rapidly the overall market for graphene and CNTs will grow, primarily because of the challenges discussed above. Taking graphene as an example, current mate- rials markets are in the low- to mid-tens of millions of dollars, with researchers and investment analysts suggesting a figure in the range of US$200 million-US$500 million by 2025. Investment in research and in production development will need to be at an even higher level for some years, yet in any case, full commercialization isn't likely to come until next decade. e most successful market entrants will be those best able to match specific performance gains to a targeted market sector whilst also best navi- gating a smooth path through existing value chain resistance. Commercialization of Graphene/CNTs David Schofield, co-founder and managing director of Future Materials Group (Cambridge, UK), a leading independent strategic advisory firm, has 25 years' experience in the specialty chemicals/ advanced materials sector on a global level, with a focus on the areas of strategy and business development. Schofield previously held senior positions within Ciba-Geigy, Huntsman and Gurit AG. LET'S CREATE SOLUTIONS. TOGETHER. MORE FUEL OR MORE AMMO? WITH UNITECH'S FAMILY OF COMPOSITE WEAPONS PYLONS, YOU DON'T HAVE TO CHOOSE. www.unitech-aerospace.com