Directa Plus PLC (LON:DCTA) has received a US patent for its graphene-based flame-retardant textile, Graphene Plus (G+).
Giulio Cesareo, chief executive, said the patent consolidates Directa Plus’s position as one of the leading graphene companies in the textile segment.
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Other products on the market treat materials with potentially toxic chemicals to make them flame resistant, but G+ does not, he said and this makes it especially suitable for emergency services clothing and sports such as motor racing.
Fire safety and environmental requirements are becoming more stringent, which means there is a significant market opportunity for chemical-free, non-toxic graphene-enhanced flame retardant additives.
G+ textiles have already been independently verified as non-irritating, safe for human skin and free from allergic reactions.
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Directa Plus has now been granted 16 patents for graphene-related technologies with a further 16 pending.
Shares rose 2% to 50p.