Graft Polymer announced an agreement as part of the French, German and Slovenian consortium being coordinated by Vinca Institute of Nuclear Sciences at the National Institute of the Republic of Serbia within the University of Belgrade. This relates to the GrinShield Project Twinning programme fornew graphene based composites in electromagnetic interference shielding (Gr. Num.

101079151, HORIZON CSA). Intense growth in both the telecommunication and electronics industries in recent years has made the use of electronic devices part of everyday life, making pollution caused by Electromagnetic Waves (EWs) emitted from mobile phones, WiFi and microwave ovens ubiquitous. EM radiation has been known to interact with medical devices and interference with other electronic devices is well established and understood, and there is widespread concern on potential impacts on human health.There is resultant high demand for textiles which can absorb EWs and the GrinShield project, exploring the scope for new nanomaterials to act as a protective barrier, is a key example of new innovation in the development of EW shielding materials.

Graft Polymer will leverage its proprietary production of GRAFTALLOY® MP-UHMWPE (ultra high molecular weight polyethylene) and apply its unique NANO graphene emulsion GRAFTASYNT® G-NE & GRAFTASYNT® D-Graphene to the resultant alloy. The Company will then prepare samples for testingby the Institute and agree on testing procedures ahead of a joint R&D report being produced. The project is due to last until autumn 2025.

This opportunity builds on Graft Polymer's progress with these cutting edge products, testament to its innovative leadership in the polymers market. It is almost impossible to melt Ultra High Molecular Weight Polyethylene owing to its high melt viscosity, giving it advantageous characteristics including strong impact, abrasion, chemical and radiation resistance. Graphene also has remarkable properties, most notably its electrical conductivity, thermal stability, impermeability and exceptional mechanical resistance which make it the most promising nanotechnological additive in the plastics industry.

The outcome of this project has potential to have a significant economic impact on the electronics industry. This agreement comes at a time when the Company has dynamic commercial momentum with contract, manufacturing, supply, distribution and R&D agreement signings, and is further evidence of strong relationships with key R&D institutions. It also leverages Graft Polymer's expanded Slovenian facility which is crucial in providing reliable supply capacity and meeting customer requirements.