Interview with Razvan Popescu

One of the characteristics of our production process is the ability to create market-ready products at each step of the process. We start from intercalated graphite, produced from natural graphite, and we progress through three steps-the plasma super-expansion, exfoliation and concentration phases-to create our pristine graphene nanoplatelets (the purest form of our Graphene Plus). The first product obtained is Grafysorber G+, which is still a 3D product and is used for environmental applications. Our product line also includes powder, paste, ink and masterbatch G+ forms; each form can be developed with different graphene morphologies to meet our partners' needs. With specific regards to the Directa Textile Solutions product range, we offer a unique range of Graphene Plus enhanced PU membranes.

We at Directa Plus were among the first to understand and, after more than two years of hard work, to prove the extraordinary benefits that graphene can bring to the textiles industry. Smart textiles are the future of the textiles industry-which also applies to the fashion world, not just the technical textiles sector. We want to play a significant role in enhancing the properties of existing products, for example by replacing metal wires for data transmission, as well as developing new ones such as the "planar thermal circuit".

Sportswear and athleisure were the first sub-sectors we focused on and also have the greatest near-term potential in bringing high performance materials, such as Graphene Plus, to the end consumer. There are several other areas we are now targeting, notably protective wear, where we are working with a new commercial partner, Alfredo Grassi SpA.

Wearable technology will require some more time before it reaches the end user. We are carefully looking at, and trying to understand, the real needs of the industry in order to offer the correct solutions. An example would be substituting wires (metallic yarns) with Graphene Plus containing tapes for data transmission. This development would offer some concrete advantages, such as easier application, simpler maintenance and lighter weight.

We have just launched our "G+ Certified Experience" label, which guarantees to the end user that the graphene contained in the purchased product is the right type and quantity of Graphene Plus to ensure the best performance. Some of our partners, such as Vittoria and Colmar, are already using the G+ logo on their hi-tech products. The new label will not only assure the presence of Graphene Plus in the final product, but also explain and certify it.(HO)