A new article from Boston-based IDTechEX Research, “Graphene: The evolving application landscape,” projects early prototype and semi commercial prototype phases over the next eight to 10 years for concrete, cement and asphalt additives bearing graphene or carbon nanotubes. That observation is consistent with lab or field demonstrations by a handful of admixture developers eyeing performance properties attainable in finished concrete through dosages of nano-scale cylinders with wall thicknesses the diameter of a single carbon atom.
The ability to approach elements or compounds at the atomic scale has enabled researchers in construction materials and other industries to accumulate significant experience with graphene over the past decade. IDTechEX Research Director Dr. Khasha Ghaffarzadeh and article author notes how nanotechnology stakeholders have arrived at “a set of applications in which graphene immediately makes commercial sense. In the early years, the industry was in a divergent exploratory phase in which players pursued numerous opportunities across diverse and often unrelated markets. We are now at a more convergent and focused phase during which a realistic application pipeline is established.”
“The industry at first overestimated the value proposition of graphene to different sectors,” he adds. “It is now more realistic about segment-specific prospects although some recalibration of expectations as well as segment-specific value propositions is still ongoing. The building of this commercial application know-how is an important and indispensable part of the learning curve of the industry and represents a source of competitive advantage.”
Dr. Ghaffarzadeh’s article is based on a new IDTechEX report, “Graphene, 2D Materials and Carbon Nanotubes: Markets, Technologies and Opportunities 2019-2029.” It offers detailed analyses of technological and commercial progress and market forecasts for graphene segmented by more than 20 applications. — www.idtechex.com/research