- 01FGR signs 3-year prepreg deal with Aeropreg.
- 02Trials will test graphene loading and performance.
- 03Success may open aerospace, auto and marine markets.
First Graphene (ASX: FGR) has entered a three-year development and commercialisation agreement with Turkish manufacturer Aeropreg to advance graphene-enhanced carbon fibre prepreg towards commercialisation.
The collaboration will combine First Graphene’s PureGRAPH graphene and proprietary epoxy concentrates with Aeropreg’s established prepreg manufacturing and resin development capabilities.
Carbon fibre prepreg is a composite material pre-infused with partially cured polymer resin, used to strengthen components across applications including aerospace, defence, automotive, and sporting goods.
Development work will focus on achieving controlled and repeatable graphene loading before validating the resulting material’s strength, durability, performance, and manufacturability within Aeropreg’s manufacturing process.
Subject to successful trials, the partners intend to progress the product towards commercial launch through Aeropreg’s existing sales channels across aerospace, automotive, marine and sporting goods markets.
Manufacturing Pathway
The agreement builds on positive customer development programs and grant-funded research by First Graphene on graphene-enhanced carbon fibre composites, moving that technical work into a development program with an established manufacturer.
Aeropreg brings in-house resin development and testing capabilities that First Graphene expects will provide a manufacturing pathway for advancing the technology towards commercial production.
A subsidiary of Spinteks, the manufacturer develops and refines resin systems with in-house chemical, physical, thermal, and mechanical testing to support prepreg production within the group.
“Aeropreg brings extensive prepreg manufacturing and resin development capabilities, as well as established global sales channels across a number of high-value industries,” managing director Michael Bell said.
“Our immediate focus will be on successfully validating the material within Aeropreg’s manufacturing process, with the longer-term objective of establishing another commercial route to market for PureGRAPH.”
Commercial Markets in View
First Graphene views securing a commercial prepreg solution and experienced manufacturing partner as an essential step towards addressing defence, aerospace, and automotive applications, with modern commercial aircraft making extensive use of carbon fibre prepreg in primary airframe structures.
Aeropreg manufactures carbon, glass, aramid, and basalt fibre prepregs, offering customised material solutions and technical support tailored to customers’ specific requirements.
The partnership also aligns with First Graphene’s increased focus on the US market following its acquisition of MITO Materials, which expanded its composites technology and customer relationships in North America.
First Graphene sees the agreement as a potential entry point to the global carbon fibre reinforced plastics market, which is estimated to grow to a value of US$43.7 billion by 2033.
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