Tirupati Graphite’s graphene-aluminium composite can replace copper

The fully integrated specialist graphite and graphene producer, Tirupati Graphite PLC stated that its research center has invented a ground-breaking graphene-aluminium (Al-Gr) composite, which indicates remarkably higher conductivity and strength properties over aluminium and could replace the usage of copper.

The specialist graphite producer said it was engrossed with potential end-users including an FTSE100 company for the composite’s potential use replacing copper in thermal, power, and propulsion systems, providing significant environmental advantages owing to reduced weight.

Shishir Poddar, CEO, Tirupati Graphite, said: “We are delighted that this achievement has caught the attention of several major companies globally, including a world-leading FTSE 100 engineering group, with whom we are now working with to further develop our Al-Gr Composite and explore commercialization opportunities.”

"We believe that this material has transformational potential and could be a key contributor to emissions reduction as it evolves,” he added.

The graphene-aluminium composite preserves aluminium's crucial properties appending its lightweight, whilst adding properties from graphene comprising increased thermal conductivity, electrical conductivity, and enhanced mechanical properties, as these are the properties that substantially make copper a preferred material in electrical and thermal conductivity-based applications.

As of now, the graphene-aluminium composite has materialized superior thermal conductivity and more than 95% of copper's electrical conductivity. However, on this ground, the company said it foresees the composite can be used for further optimization.