Five Ways Graphene Could Aerospace

In the last two decades since its discovery, Graphene has only garnered ever-growing interest. As per the Graphene Council, over 1.5 lakh graphene-related patents and 3.7 lakh research papers revolve around graphene-related materials alone. The ‘wonder material’ has the potential to radically transform industries and applications – from engineering lighter aero structures, highly transparent and light solar panels, anti-corrosion coatings, to efficient drug delivery and DNA sequencing.

Despite its seemingly simple composition, the chemistry of the material helps to deliver unique properties such as enhanced strength, barrier properties, conduction, etc. Due to these exceptional properties delivered to different matrices, it has gained significant attention in the aerospace and defence sectors.

Given rising demand across industries, the global graphene market is projected to experience explosive growth in the coming years. With a 31.3% CAGR forecasted from 2024 to 2030, the market is expected to surpass $3 billion by the end of the decade. Looking further ahead, 2032 projections average around $3.85 billion.

CUMI’s strides in Graphene

CUMI has done pioneering work in the area of Graphene research and products. Under its flagship Grafino brand, the state-of-the-art facility in Cochin is capable of manufacturing various grades of graphene nanoplatelets, additives and masterbatches. These can be employed in a wide range of applications – from composites, and coatings, to energy.

Despite its wide-ranging applications across various industries, graphene’s potential in the aerospace sector could be truly transformative. As an example, some key applications that CUMI’s graphene products are focused around include:

  • Structural reinforcement: Graphene enhances mechanical properties such as tensile strength and compression strength of aircraft structural parts by reinforcing CFRP laminates. Nano platelets align along the resin throughout the matrix, making it stronger. 
  • Protective coatings: Graphene-infused coatings decrease permeability. This supports performance enhancement in applications such as anti-corrosion, and coatings including thermal barrier.
  • Specialty elastomers: Elastomers incorporated with Graphene have enhanced mechanical strength, fatigue resistance, durability and vibration dampening.
  • Sensors: Graphene-based conductive inks find use in electronic components such as sensors due to electrical conductivity of the material.

Grafino has wide-ranging, innovative uses in defence applications too. For instance:

Moreover, CUMI’s collaboration with leading drone-maker ideaForge has paved the evolution in drone tech through the use of nanomaterial reinforced structural components for Unmanned Aerial Vehicles (UAVs). Light and extremely durable, the mechanical properties of these parts outshine their traditional counterparts at the same or lower weight parameters.

5 ways graphene can transform aerospace and defence

With its extraordinary properties, graphene offers disruptive solutions to some of the industry’s enduring challenges. Here are some key areas where its impact could be profound.

Advancing R&D in Graphene

The current landscape of graphene research and development is marked by significant progress in understanding its unique properties and exploring diverse applications across industries. Materials science leaders are driving this innovation through dedicated facilities and collaborative partnerships. As an example, CUMI has established a state-of-the-art 12,000 sq. ft. facility exclusively for manufacturing high-purity graphene powders and allied products. Alongside this, we are collaborating with the Digital University of Kerala (DUK) to establish a Centre of Excellence for graphene research.

Globally, researchers have made significant headway in developing graphene-reinforced composite materials for aerospace and defence. Patents in this sphere mainly focus on graphene’s use in high-strength, lightweight airframe structures, thermal management systems, and energy storage solutions. These advancements highlight the potential for graphene to address critical challenges in creating next-generation materials for unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) and other aerospace applications.

Sustained investment in R&D and infrastructure is crucial to unlocking graphene’s commercial potential. The development of graphene-reinforced polymers and composites for advanced aerospace and defence applications requires further rigorous testing and validation to meet stringent industry standards. Active collaboration among academic institutions, industry leaders, and government bodies is essential to bridge the gap between research and industrial application.

What’s on the horizon for graphene

Graphene is poised to be a transformative material in the aerospace sector. From lighter, stronger aircraft to advanced propulsion systems, its properties promise to redefine what’s possible in aviation and space exploration.

While graphene’s widespread adoption faces challenges, the collective effort of industry leaders like CUMI, academic institutions, and research organisations promises a transformative future. By fostering innovation, investing in cutting-edge infrastructure, and encouraging industry-academia collaboration, the stage is set for graphene to redefine aerospace and defence.

Though still in its nascent stages, graphene’s journey is a testament to the power of collaboration. With sustained effort, it has the potential to revolutionise the field, opening up new horizons for commercial viability and next-generation applications.

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