OCSiAL Opens First Graphene Nanotube Production Facility in Europe

OCSiAl's establishment of Europe's first graphene nanotube production facility is being viewed as a significant step in the integration of nanomaterials across various industries.

OCSiAl, one of the world's leading companies in graphene nanotube technology, has opened its first production facility in Europe. Located in Serbia, this facility represents an important step in integrating nanomaterials into various industries and will produce TUBALL™ nanotubes and nanotube-based products. More than 1,500 companies worldwide, including leading coatings and composites manufacturers in the automotive, electronics, construction, packaging, petrochemicals and printing sectors, use graphene nanotubes in their production lines.

"The strategic location of this facility in Serbia will improve the supply of advanced nanotube solutions across Europe, Asia and the United States," said Konstantin Notman, CEO of OCSiAl Group, noting that the facility will produce 60 tonnes of graphene nanotubes annually, with plans to double production by bringing a second synthesis unit online in the coming year.

The facility in Serbia, covering 10,000 square meters, houses a graphene nanotube synthesis unit, production lines for nanotube-based products, a research center and quality control laboratories. Over the past five years, sales have tripled due to increased demand for nanotube concentrates. To support this growth, the facility operates a production line that produces up to 200 tonnes annually of readily applicable nanotube concentrates; this is sufficient to enhance up to 100,000 tonnes of various polymers for conductive and advanced composites and coatings.

Peter Cuneo, Chairman of OCSiAl, stated: "TUBALL™ nanotubes are a game-changing material that improves physical properties by up to 50 percent in global material markets. Their unique properties and ability to fundamentally transform materials, combined with their potential impact on Net Zero initiatives, make them a critical component in transforming material technologies globally."

Graphene nanotubes enhance the sustainability of coatings and composites by extending durability, improving cost-effectiveness and reducing environmental impact; and they do this without requiring any changes to processes or additional equipment. Ideal for industrial coatings and composites, nanotubes provide color stability, durability and antistatic properties. Applications include self-leveling ESD flooring, conductive tank coatings, spray coatings for ATEX areas, synthetic leather, antistatic textiles, GFRP pipes and tanks, SMC composites, FRP trays, printing rollers and gas cylinders; providing manufacturers with high performance and cost savings.

To meet growing demand, OCSiAl has a strong global network comprising 10 licensed production partners and 25 distributors in more than 50 countries. The company's strategic plans focus on expanding global production capacity, with plans to establish a production facility in Luxembourg as the next step.