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:
- Superior armour: Graphene has the potential to offer both enhanced protection and mobility.
- Thermal management with advanced fabrics: Fabrics engineered with graphene can help soldiers keep warm in cold environments due to the superior thermal conductivity of this material.
- Sensor application: Graphene can be used in various sensors due its conductivity and nano dimension.
- Specialty shoes: With graphene, soldiers’ shoes can get increasingly light in weight, while boasting enhanced mechanical properties.
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.
- Lighter, stronger airframes: The aerospace sector continuously seeks lighter materials, yet strong enough to enhance fuel efficiency, reduce costs, and improve performance. Graphene is known to be 200 times stronger than steel, yet incredibly lightweight, making it ideal for advanced airframes for both manned and unmanned aircraft. Combined with composites, graphene can significantly improve the mechanical properties of materials, making them durable and resistant to wear and tear.
- Thermal management: The extreme temperatures and pressures encountered in aerospace operations necessitate advanced thermal management solutions. Graphene’s unparalleled thermal conductivity, which is said to be higher than any other material, positions it as a game-changer in this domain. By integrating graphene into heat exchangers, cooling systems, and thermal barriers, aircraft can efficiently dissipate heat generated during operation, which is especially critical in high-speed jets and spacecraft.
- Energy storage: Energy storage will become pivotal in aerospace, particularly with the growing emphasis on electrification and sustainable aviation. Graphene’s properties make it an ideal material for high-capacity batteries and energy storage systems that are more efficient, smaller and lightweight, capable of faster charging, durable, and safe. Graphene can contribute to the development of flexible solar panels integrated into aircraft surfaces, offering renewable energy solutions for long-duration flights.
- Fire retardant and anti-corrosive protection: Graphene’s fire-retardant capabilities enhance safety by providing superior resistance to ignition and flame spread, crucial for aircraft interiors and components. Its anti-corrosive properties also offer long-lasting protection against environmental degradation, ensuring durability and reducing maintenance costs for aircraft exposed to harsh conditions.
- Advanced propulsion systems: By improving fuel additives and creating lighter, more heat-resistant materials for turbines, graphene can enhance propulsion efficiency. Graphene’s potential in plasma-based propulsion technologies is being explored for next-generation spacecraft. Its ability to facilitate high-efficiency energy transfer could lead to propulsion systems that are more powerful and sustainable.
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.
Learn more about our solutions for defence and aerospace in person at Aero India in Bangalore from February 10 – 14, 2025.