Carborundum Universal Ltd (CUMI), a global leader in high-performance, advanced materials, has taken a significant leap in the field of new materials by exploring the immense potential of graphene. Towards this end, CUMI has signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Digital University of Kerala to set up a Centre of Excellence, where further research and development on the wonder material will be taken up. This is another pioneering effort by the company to realize the immense potential of graphene following the setting up of a special 12,000 sq ft facility commissioned in 2020 to manufacture various grades of graphene and allied products.

Despite the promising and myriad applications of this new material, large-scale commercialization of graphene needs investment in research to overcome the challenges of cost, identifying the right type of graphene for each application along with consistent availability, and the expertise needed to process it. CUMI is committed to realizing the potential of this game-changing nanomaterial by developing application knowledge, ensuring consistent availability, and identifying the right type of graphene for the right application.

 Dr A P James, Professor-in-Charge, Maker Village, Professor, AI-Chip Design Center, Digital University Kerala, said, “We believe that the possibilities for graphene are endless and that it can have a huge impact on every industry. Graphene is ultra-light, super strong, flexible, transparent, and impermeable. It is also a superconductor, allowing electricity to flow without any energy loss. All these properties will allow new and exciting innovations to emerge. We are happy to join hands with CUMI to set up a Centre of Excellence where further research on this new-age material can be taken up.”

Stressing that graphene has the potential to revolutionize multiple industries, from electronics and energy storage to medicine and transportation, due to its exceptional strength, conductivity, and flexibility, M V Sivakumaran, Senior VP and Business Head, Electro Minerals Division, CUMI, added, “As a pioneer in the field of materials science research and applications, CUMI is investing to develop the potential of this wonder material. The Centre of Excellence at the Digital University of Kerala will help us to advance our research and development efforts in graphene, perfect specific solutions for various applications and industries, and create new products.”

For more information: www.cumi-murugappa.com