Oil giant, Petronas Malaysia has launched its third graphene-based solution, ProTough+ under its Advanced Materials portfolio in efforts to capture new growth opportunities in line with its Energy Transition Strategy.
ProTough+ is an additive that enhances the strength of composite materials by improving their mechanical properties to achieve component lightweighting, which is key in manufacturing and delivery of lower carbon solutions such as hydrogen mobility.
The company said tests conducted on carbon fibre reinforced polymers enhanced with the material demonstrated an increase of more than 35% in tensile strength. This allows stronger composite parts to be manufactured with less materials, thus supporting fabrication of products that are lighter and more economical.
Under the collaboration with HyPerComp Engineering, which specialises in end-to-end designing and solutioning of high-pressured vessels, the parties will look into incorporating ProTough+ into the manufacturing process of composite overwrapped pressure vessels (COPVs).
“We look forward to providing business solutions with technology and innovation through our strategic collaboration with HyPerComp Engineering. We are confident that the outcome of our joint development will offer the competitive edge that meets the needs of our stakeholders and customers,” Dr Mahpuzah from Petronas said.
The JDA is a result of successful initial tests, in which ProTough+ enabled the composite material to reach up to 97% in delivered fibre strength, thereby increasing the burst pressure of high-pressured vessels by up to 5%.
HyPerComp Engineering Chief Executive Officer Daryl Thompson noted,
