TECHNOLOGY/BUSINESS OPPORTUNITY Gas Phase Synthesized Graphene/UV crosslinked Polymer Composites

Opportunity: Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL), operated by the Lawrence Livermore National Security (LLNS), LLC under contract no. DE-AC52-07NA27344 (Contract 44) with the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE), is offering the opportunity to enter into a collaboration to further develop and commercialize its it gas phase synthesized graphene, polymer composite formulations.

Background: The introduction of graphene-based materials into polymers formulations to enhance mechanical, chemical or physical properties is well known. The challenge, however, is being able to thoroughly disperse the graphene additive into a polymer matrix without aggregation. Graphene made using exfoliation processes tend to aggregate.

An alternative method to produce graphene is with chemical vapor deposition; gas phase synthesized graphene (GSG) can be created without substrates in a single step by delivering ethanol into an atmospheric-pressure microwave-generated argon plasma.

The high quality GSG (e.g., highly ordered single-layer, bilayer, and few-layered graphene sheets) when used as a polymer additive allows for enhancement in the mechanical properties of polymer–matrix nanocomposites and lubricating properties of motor oils, etc. Description: LLNL researchers have developed a method to incorporate gas phase synthesized graphene (GSG) as a unique additive in a UV-crosslinkable polymer formulation.

The GSG is added by using a planetary mixer to obtain a homogenous suspension of GSG in polymer. The resulting formulation is highly stable and doesn't show signs of phase separation or solid sedimentation. The polymer formulation is then UV-crosslinked into different shapes and form factors such as discs and membranes demonstrating material property enhancement and modification.

Advantages/Benefits: GSG additive can be easily dispersed compared to other graphene-based additives using readily available, common lab equipment such a vortex or planetary mixers. The resulting formulation is highly stable and doesn't show signs of phase separation or solid sedimentation. GSG additives show signs of emergent physical property enhancement.

Potential Applications: carbon dioxide capture, humidity control, filtration, flexible electronics, anti-corrosion coatings, anti-static films Development Status: Current stage of technology development: TRL 2 LLNL is seeking industry partners with a demonstrated ability to bring such inventions to the market. Moving critical technology beyond the Laboratory to the commercial world helps our licensees gain a competitive edge in the marketplace.

All licensing activities are conducted under policies relating to the strict nondisclosure of company proprietary information. Please visit the IPO website at https://ipo.llnl.gov/resources for more information on working with LLNL and the industrial partnering and technology transfer process.

Note: THIS IS NOT A PROCUREMENT. Companies interested in commercializing LLNL's Gas Phase Synthesized Graphene/UV crosslinked Polymer Composites should provide an electronic OR written statement of interest, which includes the following:

Company Name and address. The name, address, and telephone number of a point of contact. A description of corporate expertise and/or facilities relevant to commercializing this technology. Please provide a complete electronic OR written statement to ensure consideration of your interest in LLNL's Gas Phase Synthesized Graphene/UV crosslinked Polymer Composites. The subject heading in an email response should include the Notice ID and/or the title of LLNL’s Technology/Business Opportunity and directed to the Primary and Secondary Point of Contacts listed below. Written responses should be directed to:

Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory Innovation and Partnerships Office P.O.

Box 808, L-779 Livermore, CA 94551-0808 Attention: IL-13878