Grants and Contributions:

Grant or Award spanning more than one fiscal year. (2017-2018 to 2018-2019)

This research will focus on thermoplastic composites containing micron-sized delaminated graphite particles.x000D
Delaminated graphite has high mechanical and conductive properties. In order to impart these properties fullyx000D
to a graphite/ thermoplastic composite, it is necessary that the polymer bonds well to the graphite. Graphite hasx000D
a relatively inert surface so that conventional surface treatments do not work. New types of treatment need tox000D
be sought. This research will seek to develop suitable surface treatments for the finely exfoliatedx000D
micro-graphite particles, and to further investigate their potential as reinforcements in polymeric composites.x000D
The main target area for these products is thermoplastic composites which can be used to impart high strength,x000D
electrical and thermal conductivity in light-weight automotive and aerospace components. The supportingx000D
organization is Eagle Graphite Corporation (EGC), a Canadian company that owns one of only two operatingx000D
natural graphite mines and beneficiation plants in North America. EGC has engaged in initiatives to convert itsx000D
highly purified graphite into value-added products, while ensuring the use of environmentally friendly andx000D
sustainable processes in their operations. The knowledge generated by this project has the potential to providex000D
new value-added products at a substantially reduced cost to various Canadian industrial sectors, including thex000D
automotive, manufacturing and alternative energy sector.