First Graphene wins supply agreement

Nedlands-based First Graphene has signed a two-year contract with Malaga boot manufacturer Steel Blue for the supply of its graphene powder product.

Under the agreement, Steel Blue will exclusively source graphene and other graphite products from First Graphene, with a minimum order quantity of 2 tonnes of First Graphene's PureGRAPH product. 

The footwear company, founded in 1995 by Ross Fitzgerald, plans to release future work boots with graphene components, including a thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU) sole.

Last year, Steel Blue began testing the PureGRAPH product on prototype boots at Viclab.

First Graphene said there were improvements in tear strength and abrasion resistance, and that Steel Blue would continue testing using different applications and processes.

Steel Blue would aim to incorporate PureGRAPH into its existing and future boots products during testing, it said.

First Graphene managing director Craig McGuckin said the supply agreement was the first of several anticipated for this year.

“Graphene is helping our customers to develop new products not previously seen with non-graphene technologies,” he said.

“PureGRAPH additives are a key enabler in taking elastomers, composites, coatings and concrete materials to a new level and we will continue to seek out further new applications and markets where graphene can add value.”

Steel Blue has the option to extend the initial 24-month contract by a further four years.