The CSIR is the supplier and solution provider for high quality nanomaterials and nanotechnology-based products in South Africa. To date, CSIR has been manufacturing and supplying innovative nano and micro materials, including graphene oxide (GO), reduced graphene oxide (rGO), hydrotalcites, modified bentonite clays, and nano zinc oxide. These nanomaterials are used for various applications in industry including in catalysis, polymer composites, lubrication, electronics, drug delivery, cosmetics, and water treatment systems among other areas.

Current products

 GO and reduced rGO

Graphene is a material of strategic importance owing to its unique physico-chemical properties that make it useful in a wide range of applications. The CSIR graphene synthesis technology was successfully optimised and demonstrated at a technology readiness level of seven at the 1 kg graphene batch scale.

GO is a two-dimensional material. It is the oxidised form of graphene, with oxygen functional groups decorating the sp² C basal plane. Due to the presence of the oxygen functional groups, GO is also hydrophilic, and it can be dispersed in a water solution, contrary to graphene, which is hydrophobic. So, this property of GO is very important when mixing the material with ceramic or polymer matrixes when trying to improve their electrical and mechanical properties. GO mixes readily with many polymers, forming nanocomposites, and greatly enhances the properties of the original polymer, including elastic modulus, tensile strength, and thermal stability. In its solid form, GO flakes tend to attach to one another, forming thin and extremely stable paper-like structures that can be folded, wrinkled and stretched. Such free-standing GO films are considered for applications, including hydrogen storage applications, ion conductors and nanofiltration membranes.

 rGO is also another valuable derivative of graphene. GO and rGO have different chemical and structural properties due to the differences in their chemical compositions, in particular the carbon to oxygen ratios. Their differences are noticeable in the electrical conductivity properties, hydrophilic behaviour and dispersibility properties. rGO demonstrates better conductive and thermal properties compared to GO. The application areas for rGO include energy storage, biomedical applications and sensors used as an additive for polymer composites and lubricants.

Synthetic Hydrotalcites (Mg₄Al₂(OH)₁₂ CO₃)

CSIR hydrotalcite is manufactured using a hydrothermal process. It is a magnesium aluminium hydroxy carbonate. This compound is also known as layered double hydroxide. The CSIR hydrotalcite synthesis technology was successfully optimised and demonstrated at a technology readiness level of seven at the 500 kg batch scale. The product can be used in various applications such as acid scavengers in polymer composites during the production and processing of polymer materials and articles, antiacids in the medical field, flame retardants, adsorbents for water treatment and heterogeneous catalysts.

Betsopa (surfactant modified bentonite nano clay)

Betsopa is a South African bentonite intercalated di quaternary amine.  The product can be used in various applications, including its use as an additive in polymer composites for improving their physical and mechanical properties, as well as dimensional stability of injection-moulded parts. It can be used as an adsorbent for the removal of contaminants from wastewater.

Nano zinc oxide

CSIR nano zinc oxide is manufactured using a hydrothermal process. The CSIR nano zinc oxide synthesis technology was successfully optimised and demonstrated at a technology readiness level of seven at the 500 kg batch scale. Its applications span a broad spectrum of industries. In addition to its use in fertilisers, it is also used in rubbers, paints, coatings, cosmetics and cigarettes, as well as other healthcare products as a key raw material.