Gloucestershire-based Versarien has launched an innovative portfolio of graphene and related nanomaterial-based thermoplastic polymer compounds, branded under the name Polygrene.

This culminates from several years of work in collaboration with world-leading experts at the International Institute for Nanocomposites Manufacturing (IINM) based at WMG, at the University of Warwick.

The new PolygreneTM compounds are expected to have potential commercial applications in areas as diverse as sports equipment, construction products, aerospace and automotive components.

Dr David Reinoso-Arenas, the first Versarien-funded PhD student, with support from the EPSRC Doctoral Training Programme, joined Versarien full-time last year.

Dr David Reinoso-Arenas said: "The new Polygrene thermoplastics portfolio is a culmination of my PhD research. Since joining Versarien we've been able to further develop and test these materials using different nanomaterial fillers and process conditions to fully optimise the resulting product performance.

"My PhD experience at the IINM and WMG was really enjoyable and enabled me to work closely with industry to ensure that the outputs of my research could be validated and have commercial viability."

David's PhD was performed under the supervision of Professor Tony McNally, whose team has an established capability in incorporating a wide range of nanomaterials into bulk polymer systems.

Professor Tony McNally, who leads the Nanocomposites Research Group at WMG, University of Warwick, said: "Versarien's graphene materials have shown interesting phenomena when blended into thermoplastic systems - exceptional gains can be achieved in mechanical properties without compromising any properties.

"The addition of graphene also highlights improvements in polymer processing which may offer lower energy usage and, therefore, improving sustainability."

Versarien continues to work with Professor McNally through a funded PhD position in 2D material based rubber systems, making use of the IINM's new state of the art rubber processing and testing capabilities. With support from the High Value Manufacturing Catapult (HVMC), WMG has established a world class facility for the study of elastomers.

Dr Stephen Hodge, Versarien's CEO, added: "We look forward to continuing our collaboration with the IINM and WMG in rubber processing and hope to be able to demonstrate significant benefits that can impact upon real-world applications."