#CSIR75: Graphene: The wonder material that could revolutionise advanced manufacturing

Join us for an interview with Mr Neill Ricketts, Chief Executive Officer, Versarien

The graphene platform at the CSIR is working on an exciting and ambitious project that seeks to create new capabilities in the development of graphene-based composites as well as the possible establishment of graphene manufacturing capacity in the country. Collaboration with international producers is critical, both for the acquisition of graphene as well as for the possible localisation. The unique physico-chemical properties of graphene, such as high mechanical strength, excellent chemical stability, high electrical conductivity, excellent thermal stability and thermal conductivity, gas impermeability and interesting optical properties, make it a desirable ingredient in applications related to electronics, sensors, water treatment, batteries, coatings, displays, advanced composites and biomedical applications. Thus, graphene-related work will not only help to assist South African industries to be competitive, but will also prepare the country for the science of the future. A significant set of skills and know-how will be developed. In this interview with Neill Ricketts, Chief Executive Officer, Versarien, we explore the potential of graphene technologies, the benefits for industry, the caveats and the links to the fourth industrial revolution.