MasterGraphene Project
Bridging the gap between graphene and advanced composites. Unlocking industrial manufacturing of graphene/polymers via masterbatch approach.
The MasterGraphene project, promoted by the company Avanzare, aims to develop a family of graphene-rich masterbatch (MB) compounds—with graphene contents of up to 60%—designed to serve as an industrial intermediate ready for use in the manufacture of high-performance advanced plastic materials. This solution addresses a clear market need for functional polymers that incorporate graphene’s exceptional properties without requiring changes to existing processing technologies. The target market primarily includes the automotive, electrical/electronic, construction, and sustainable mobility sectors, with a particular focus on replacing traditional materials with lighter, more efficient, and more sustainable solutions.
The need for this project arises from the technological challenge of integrating graphene homogeneously and safely into thermoplastic matrices at an industrial scale, overcoming issues related to aggregation, dispersion, and incompatibility between the matrix and the additive. The costly modifications required in plastic production facilities—due to graphene’s extremely high surface-to-weight ratio—as well as safety concerns and exposure to powdered nanomaterials, currently hinder the straightforward integration of graphene into the plastics industry.
PROJECT FILE: SoE-20251012
Funding: This project has received funding from CDTI through FEDER Funds 2021–2027 under the Seal of Excellence support program.
About Avanzare
Avanzare is a company with over 10 years of experience in the development and production of graphene and other nanomaterials, and an active member of the EU Graphene Flagship. The company operates R&D laboratories, a production facility covering more than 10,000 m², and a dedicated pilot plant for polymer compounds.
This project is fully aligned with Avanzare’s strategy: to lead innovation in functional nanomaterials and expand their impact on global industrial applications, while maintaining sustained and sustainable growth.
Target Market and Strategic Applications
MasterGraphene was created to transform the advanced materials sector, with a strategic focus on the high-performance polymer industry, delivering innovative solutions to sectors where lightness, strength, and technological integration are essential.
Automotive manufacturers
Electronics industry manufacturers
Aerospace manufacturers
Current market solutions—such as graphene compounds, carbon nanotubes (CNTs), or metals—offer limited or partial benefits compared to graphene’s true potential. Very few materials are capable of simultaneously combining structural, electrical, and thermal properties, which is precisely what MasterGraphene enables.
Competitive positioning of MasterGraphene compared to existing technologies:
| Features: | MasterGraphene | Graphene Compounding | CNTs | Metallic Materials |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Effective concentration (<10%) | ✔ | ✖
(≥ 20%) |
✖ | ✖ |
| Significant weight reduction | ✔
(up to 25%) |
✔ | ✔ | ✖ |
| High electrical conductivity | ✔
(up to +200%) |
✔ | ✔ | ✔ |
| Compatibility with multiple polymer matrices | ✔ | ✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
| Competitive cost | ✔
(-10%) |
✖ | ✖ | ✖ |
Industrial reach and market presence
The MasterGraphene strategy is designed to bring innovation directly to industry by commercializing graphene masterbatches in collaboration with polymer manufacturers through the Avanzare Group’s sales network. Thanks to its “drop-in” characteristics, the product integrates seamlessly into existing processes, enabling rapid adoption without the need for redesigns. This significantly reduces both technical risks and costs, accelerating innovation and customer value.
