Graphene was first isolated in Manchester in 2004. For years it was the “wonder material” that seemed always to be five years away. That has changed. Graphene is now inside products you can buy, from bike tyres to running shoes to 3D printing filament.
Here are ten places graphene is being used today, and why.
1. Composites and plastics
This is the biggest real-world use. A small amount of graphene added to a plastic, resin or rubber can make it stronger, stiffer and tougher, and can add electrical or thermal conductivity. That’s the principle behind graphene-enhanced 3D printing filament (more on that below).
2. Sports equipment
Graphene has been used in tennis and squash rackets, helmets and bike frames. The aim is to add strength or stiffness exactly where it’s needed without adding weight.
3. Tyres
Several cycling tyre makers add graphene to their rubber compounds. Vittoria’s Corsa range is a well-known example. The graphene aims to improve grip, rolling resistance and durability together, which normally means trading one off against another.
4. Footwear
UK brand inov-8 worked with the University of Manchester on graphene-enhanced rubber outsoles that are designed to be harder-wearing while keeping grip. Footwear is also a big prototyping area for graphene filament. See our post on graphene in sportswear design.
5. Concrete
Adding graphene to concrete can improve its strength. That means less cement can be used for the same performance, which matters because cement production is a major source of CO₂ emissions. UK projects have already poured graphene-enhanced concrete in real buildings.
6. Coatings and paints
Graphene coatings can act as a barrier against moisture and corrosion and can add conductivity or heat-spreading to a surface. They’re used on metals, in marine settings and in anti-static applications. See graphene for marine applications.
7. Batteries and energy storage
Graphene is widely researched and used as an additive in battery electrodes and supercapacitors, where its conductivity and surface area can help charging speed and lifespan. It’s one of the most active research areas, and also one of the most hyped, so check claims carefully. See also graphene for renewable energy projects.
8. Heat management in electronics
Graphene conducts heat extremely well, so graphene films and pads spread heat away from hot spots in phones, laptops and LED lighting.
9. Sensors and printed electronics
Because graphene’s electrical resistance changes with strain, pressure and chemical exposure, it’s used in sensors and conductive inks. You can 3D print simple sensors yourself with conductive filament. See Can Graphene Conduct Electricity?
10. 3D printing filament
Graphene-enhanced filament brings several of the benefits above into a desktop 3D printer:
- Strength and stiffness: our SuperTough PLA has 25% higher tensile strength and is 35% stiffer than standard PLA
- Conductivity: our Conductive Filament prints circuits, touch sensors and traces
- Heat spreading: 3x the thermal conductivity of standard PLA
That lets engineers, designers and makers prototype parts that behave like real products, not just look like them. Read more on robotics and product design.
Where graphene is heading next
The pattern is clear: graphene works best as an additive, a small amount that upgrades a material people already use. Expect more of it in plastics, concrete, coatings and electronics as production costs keep falling.
Want to try graphene in your own prints? Shop the range. UK stock, dispatched within 24 working hours.
FAQ
Is graphene used in anything yet?
Yes, including tyres, footwear, sports equipment, coatings, concrete, heat-spreading films and 3D printing filament.
Why isn’t graphene used everywhere?
Making high-quality graphene consistently and cheaply at scale is still a challenge, and it has to be dispersed well in other materials to deliver its benefits.
Is graphene safe?
In finished products, graphene is locked inside the host material such as plastic, rubber or concrete. As with any fine powder, raw graphene should be handled with appropriate protection.