TEXTILES.ORG
OCSiAl, the graphene nanotube technology provider, has opened its first European production facility. Located in Serbia, it will produce TUBALL™ nanotubes and nanotube-based products, marking a significant step forward in integrating nanomaterials into various industries. More than 1,500 companies worldwide, including manufacturers of personal protective equipment (PPE) and industrial textiles, already use graphene nanotubes in their production lines.
“This facility’s strategic location in Serbia will enhance the supply of cutting-edge nanotube solutions across Europe, Asia and the U.S.,” said Konstantin Notman, OCSiAl Group CEO. “The facility will produce 60 tons of graphene nanotubes per year, with plans to double production by launching a second synthesis unit within the next year.”
The 10,000-square-meter Serbian facility includes a graphene nanotube synthesis unit, dispersion and concentrate production lines, a research hub, and quality control laboratories. Over the past five years, sales of nanotube concentrates have tripled, driven by rising demand. To support this growth, the facility includes a production line with a capacity of up to 200 tons of easy-to-apply nanotube concentrates with various polymer carriers for ESD-safe PPE and multifunctional textiles used in the medical, automotive and construction industries.
At ultralow dosages, nanotubes add electrical conductivity to various fabrics and polymers without compromising flexibility, strength, color or chemical resistance. This enables valuable features like ESD protection, thermal controls, dust repellence, and touch-screen compatibility, meeting international PPE standards.
The company says that nanotube-enhanced textiles are ideal for both technical and traditional applications, offering chemical and hazard protection for workwear. Industrial gloves with standard liners without conductive yarns maintain resistance to microbial attack, abrasion, alkalis and hydrolysis while also providing enhanced durability, reliability, and a soft hand.
Protective workwear, heated clothing and construction elements, car seats, and hospital bed coverings all benefit from improved performance and offer cost savings for manufacturers.