Polymer Composites using Graphene Oxide Developed from Zenyatta's Albany Graphite Deposit

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Zenyatta Ventures Ltd. ("Zenyatta") is a mineral development company based in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In2011, Zenyatta discovered the largest known igneous-hosted, fluid-derived graphite deposit in northeasternOntario, called the Albany Graphite Deposit. One of the applications that Zenyatta wants to explore andprioritize is to use Albany graphite as a reinforcement additive for composite materials including polymers.These composite materials could be very attractive to industries that are seeking lightweight materials withhigh modulus (stiffness) and strength (e.g., transportation industry). In this proposed project, polymercomposites will be manufactured using graphene oxide derived from Albany graphite, and their mechanical andthermal properties will be characterized. The Albany Graphite Deposit discovered by Zenyatta is estimated tocontain a total indicated resource of approximately 1 million tonnes of graphitic carbon. The proposed projectwill help Zenyatta expand its business as a material supplier for composite productions by expanding itsproduct offerings. Furthermore, Canadian plastic and composite manufacturing sectors will be able toincorporate this composite technology to produce lighter, stronger, more thermally stable products, thuscontributing to the growth of Canadian economy and society.