OCSiAl expands graphene nanotube production capacity in Europe

LUXEMBOURG—Advanced materials manufacturer OCSiAl is building a graphene nanotube synthesis facility near the Serbian capital of Belgrade, the company has announced.

The facility will have the capacity of 40,000 metric tons per year (40 ktpa) and is set for operation in the first half of 2023, OCSiAl said in a June 14 news release, adding that the facility will employ the company's patented production technology.

The facility, said OCSiAl, is to become "the core of the graphene nanotube industrial hub" and will be accompanied by production lines of nanotube concentrates for various polymers and nanotube dispersions.

The manufacturer expects the new plant to lower its supply chain costs and make it possible to deliver European-produced solutions to customers in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific.

The facility will be accompanied by the production lines of more than 40 nanotube-based concentrates and dispersions designed to simplify industrial handling of nanotubes.

The new lines will be launched in sequence in 2022-23.

According to OCSiAl, graphene nanotubes are currently used by rubber and plastics manufacturers for applications in the automotive, electronics, oil and gas, and health care devices industries, among others.

For instance, OCSiAl pointed out that elastomers reinforced with the nanotubes can contribute to safety and energy-efficiency of tires.

In addition to the Serbian facility, OCSiAl is currently constructing its flagship production facility in Differdange, southwestern Luxembourg.

The $300 million facility, which includes an associated R&D center, is expected to be "the largest of its kind" and is scheduled for completion in 2025.

The 250 ktpa unit is to mainly supply automotive components markets in Europe.