MasterGraphene Project: industrialising the potential of graphene
This project has received funding from CDTI through FEDER 2021–2027 funds under the Sello de Excelencia support programme.
The incorporation of graphene into advanced plastic materials represents one of the greatest industrial innovation opportunities of the past decade. However, its large-scale application continues to face significant technological challenges. To address this need, the MasterGraphene project was launched, led by AVANZARE, with the aim of transforming graphene’s potential into a real, efficient, and safe industrial solution.
A project to bring graphene closer to the plastics industry.
The project, entitled “Bridging the gap between graphene and advanced composites. Unlocking industrial manufacturing of graphene/polymers via masterbatch approach” aims to create a family of masterbatch compounds containing up to 60% graphene. These preconcentrates act as an industrial intermediate that can be directly integrated into plastic manufacturing processes without altering existing processing technologies.
This solution addresses one of the main market barriers: the difficulty of incorporating graphene into polymers in a homogeneous, reproducible way that is compatible with current industrial processes.
The MasterGraphene project is focused on key industrial sectors that require higher-performance materials with a lower environmental impact, including the automotive industry, the electrical and electronics sector, construction, and sustainable mobility.
In these fields, replacing traditional materials with lighter, more efficient, and more sustainable advanced plastics is essential to improve performance, reduce emissions, and move towards more responsible production models.
Overcoming the technological challenges of graphene.
The industrial-scale integration of graphene into thermoplastic matrices presents significant challenges, such as aggregation issues, difficulty achieving homogeneous dispersion, incompatibilities between the matrix and the additive, and risks associated with handling nanomaterials in powder form. In addition, graphene’s high surface-to-weight ratio often requires modifications that are costly for industrial facilities, limiting its adoption.
The masterbatch materials developed in MasterGraphene overcome these limitations, enabling the safe, controlled, and efficient incorporation of graphene without the need for major changes to existing production lines.
AVANZARE’s expertise as a guarantee of success.
AVANZARE has over 10 years of experience in the development and production of graphene and other advanced nanomaterials. The company operates R&D laboratories, a production facility of more than 10,000 m², and a pilot plant specialized in polymer compounds. In addition, AVANZARE is an active member of the Graphene Flagship, one of Europe’s largest initiatives dedicated to advancing graphene and its industrial applications.
A project aligned with a forward-looking vision.
MasterGraphene is fully aligned with AVANZARE’s strategy to lead innovation in functional nanomaterials, expand its impact on industrial applications worldwide, and do so through a sustained and sustainable growth approach.
With this project, graphene takes a decisive step toward establishing itself as a key material in the new generation of high-performance plastics, ready to meet today’s and tomorrow’s technological, economic, and environmental challenges.