Episode 90 -- Mike Bell from First Graphene

Welcome to this special episode of @AuManufacturing Conversations with Brent Balinski, one which we're running as part of our quest to identify Australia’s 50 Most Innovative Manufacturers.

The 50 Most Innovative is an annual campaign by @AuManufacturing. This time around it has been made possible through the generous support of MYOB, CSIRO, the NSW government’s Advanced Manufacturing Research Facility, and the Commonwealth Bank.

In this episode we hear from Mike Bell, CEO of ASX-listed First Graphene,  about their work on "green cement" in the UK, why they're making plates and not lemons, why innovation isn't unboiling an egg, and more.

A note about audio: we apologise for the whirring noise in the background. It was an issue with a computer fan, which has since been resolved.

Episode guide
0:58 – Career path. Electronics, software, shipbuilding, then graphene.

2:20 – “We are pioneers in the production of graphene.”

3:40 – The wonders of graphene as an additive.

5:10 – We are still working out a lot of things about adding graphene to other materials. 

6:57 – There are a lot of ways to make graphene, and not all graphene is created equally.

7:44 – Sri Lankan graphite and electrochemical exfoliation.

11:02 – The need for high-volume applications to justify development costs.

12:10 – Why cement and concrete.

13:27 – The attractiveness of concrete applications versus development for a shoe brand.

15:30 – Background to Breedon Group in the UK and the work with them going back to Innovate UK grant. R&D also involves Morgan Sindall.

17:02 – Not every graphene company gets so much access to such a significantly-sized plant. Two trials there so far.

18:52 – Gearing up for a third trial with cement.

20:06 – The economics of making graphene.

23:14 – Perovskite solar cells with Halocell Energy.

25:35 – Lubricants, pools, wear liners, coatings and more.

27:06 – Defining innovation. 

29:32 – Outsourcing and the way it hollows out a country’s capacity to add value and have a productive economy.

32:02 – Western Australia’s limited economy as a result of its success in mining.

Further reading

First Graphene's website
Graphene helps make more hydrogen with less energy
First Graphene and team begin UK graphene-in-cement trials
First Graphene launches new cement and concrete additives
First Graphene gets UK patent for process for potentially better battery anodes
First Graphene provides facemask materials
First Graphene ships first commercial product
First Graphene to supply swimming pool manufacturer
Graphene electrodes part of plan to make Australia make PV again