Material Company NexGen Graphene Polymers Advances Commercialization and Technology Export of Graphene Polymers
Expanding Applications in Masks, Paints, and Eyeglass Frames
At the NexGen Graphene Polymers factory, the process of synthesizing graphene and polymers is underway.
The NexGen Graphene Polymers factory near Mado Industrial Complex in Mado-myeon, Hwaseong-si, Gyeonggi-do. This facility, which also serves as an R&D center, is bustling with about 10 personnel synthesizing graphene and polymers to apply to various prototypes. Although the production line still appeared somewhat simple, here graphene?known as the "dream new material"?was being transformed through proprietary technology into materials that resonate with our daily lives. NexGen Graphene Polymers is also promoting the export of its unique technology. On the afternoon of the 20th, at this small factory in Hwaseong, the dream of commercializing graphene and exporting domestic material technology was simultaneously ripening.
Choi Jin-young, CEO of NexGen Graphene Polymers (hereafter NexGen), said, "Our goal is to produce consumer and industrial goods that incorporate graphene," adding, "This year, various products will be commercialized and launched into the market, and we hope to achieve results not only domestically but also overseas." NexGen possesses technology that traps graphene within polymer, a polymer chemical substance, to create high-quality synthetic materials suitable for commercialization. By synthesizing graphene and various polymers using special metal nano-filter technology, they create a new form of polymerized composite new material called 'graphene polymer.'
CEO Choi explained, "It is a technology that can synthesize graphene into existing polymer materials," and "It physically bonds to evenly disperse graphene within the polymer." To utilize the unique advantages of graphene while minimizing the amount of expensive graphene used, it must be well dispersed. NexGen's core technology enables graphene to spread evenly over a large area. This approach allows the inclusion of costly graphene materials while maintaining price competitiveness. According to CEO Choi, they applied the plastic recycling technology of the American company A-1 GreenTech to the graphene synthesis field and developed it into proprietary technology. A-1 GreenTech has also invested equity in NexGen.
Synthesizing graphene with polymers broadens the scope of commercialization. Graphene is an advanced new material made by processing graphite; it is only 0.2 nanometers thick but is over 100 times stronger than steel and has electrical conductivity more than 100 times that of copper. By synthesizing it with polymers, graphene’s properties can be applied to various materials. For example, melting graphene polymer to make fibers can produce clothing that reflects graphene’s characteristics?lightweight, strong, and static-resistant. CEO Choi said, "If we produce masks applying graphene polymer filters, they will not only block viruses and fine dust but also have antibacterial effects," adding, "We are preparing product development and production."
When applied to marine paints, it reduces friction, thereby increasing ship speed. Marine organisms also do not adhere. CEO Choi further explained that if this paint is applied to high-speed trains and the like, it could replace expensive imported products. There are also products ready for mass production. CEO Choi said, "Glasses frames incorporating graphene polymer are scheduled to be launched next month through a domestic eyewear brand." They have also developed bed sheets and pajamas made from graphene polymer fibers, which have undergone functional evaluation and verification and are awaiting hospital supply. NexGen plans to invest an additional 10 billion KRW in the Hwaseong factory to expand facilities. CEO Choi revealed the dream of developing domestic material technology and global expansion, noting, "Government officials from the Philippines and Indonesia have also visited to observe the eco-friendly technology at this factory."
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