CUMI Sets Up Center of Excellence for Wonder Material Graphene
05 May 2023: Carborundum Universal Ltd. (CUMI), a global leader in high-performance, advanced materials, has taken a significant leap in the field of new materials by exploring the immense potential of graphene. Towards this end, CUMI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Digital University of Kerala to set up a Centre of Excellence, where further research and development on the wonder material will be taken up.
This is another pioneering effort by CUMI to realise the immense potential of graphene following the setting up of a special 12,000 sqft facility commissioned in 2020 to manufacture various grades of graphene and allied products.
Despite the promising and myriad applications of this new material, large-scale commercialisation of graphene needs investment in research to overcome the challenges of cost, identifying the right type of graphene for each application along with consistent availability, and the expertise needed to process it.
CUMI is committed to realising the potential of this game-changing nanomaterial by developing application knowledge, ensuring consistent availability, and identifying the right type of graphene for the right application.
Dr. A. P. James, Professor-in-charge, Maker Village, Professor, AI-Chip Design Center, Digital University Kerala, said, “We believe that the possibilities for graphene are endless and that it can have a huge impact on every industry. Graphene is ultra-light, super strong, flexible, transparent, and impermeable. It is also a superconductor, allowing electricity to flow without any energy loss. All these properties will allow new and exciting innovations to emerge. We are happy to join hands with CUMI to set up a Centre of Excellence where further research on this new-age material can be taken up.”
M. V. Sivakumaran, Senior VP and Business Head, Electro Minerals Division, Carborundum Universal Limited said, “Graphene has the potential to revolutionise multiple industries, from electronics and energy storage to medicine and transportation, due to its exceptional strength, conductivity, and flexibility. As a pioneer in the field of materials science research and applications, CUMI is investing to develop the potential of this wonder material.”
CUMI is a pioneer in the manufacture of graphene. A special facility was commissioned in 2020 to manufacture various grades of graphene and allied products suitable for applications in composites, coating and energy areas. The 12,000 sqft facility can process 6 lakh litres/ year of varying grades of graphene powders, besides producing master batches in different kinds of elastomers, thermosetting and thermoplastic polymers.
