When silicon became the medium of choice for semiconductors in the
60's, the previous material, germanium, was left behind to the
point where few today have ever heard of it. With the rise of
graphene, silicon may eventually experience the same fate,
relegated to a curiosity at some semiconductor museum.
Graphene was discovered in 2004. By 2014, there have been 10,000
patents filed. The magic of this form of pure carbon that can be
derived from ultra-pure graphite is that it is 200 times stronger
than steel, transparent, more conductive than silicon and flexible.
One ounce of graphene could cover 28 football fields.
Usually, only the biggest companies have the R&D clout to
participate in new developments. However, one small public company,
Lomiko Metals (TSX-V:LMR) (OTCQX:LMRMF), has been able to leap
ahead working with leading scientists at Graphene Labs of Long
Island New York.
One example espoused by the American Chemical Society posited
that advancements in graphene could eventually make cellphones as
thin as a piece of paper and flexible enough to fold up and put it
in a pocket. Further, this wundermineral could potentially be the
key constituent in the current and future generations of flexible
displays and virtually all manner of electronic device.
Some very big names are pouring money and R&D into graphene
development. Samsung Electronics recently announced a breakthrough
in the advance toward graphene commercialization by; "synthesizing
large-area graphene into a single crystal on a semiconductor, while
maintaining its electric and mechanical properties. By developing a
method for growing a single crystal graphene into a large area, the
researchers claim they could displace the tech industry's reliance
on silicon."
Along with Samsung, the European Nanomaster project, led by
NetComposites in the UK, has 12 partners worldwide, including
Timcal owned by Imerys, a Canadian name that graphite investors
will know well. The global initiative has developed new grades of
expanded graphite, which have been used to produce high-quality
graphene.
TIMCAL Graphite & Carbon produces and markets a large
variety of synthetic and natural graphite powders, conductive
carbon blacks and water-based dispersions of consistent high
quality.
Lomiko is the only company in this sector poised for exponential
growth. The others are billion dollar companies. The
Company is also developing a vertical business alignment from
graphite to graphene, which includes a patent on the manufacturing
process involving 3D printing with graphene. Using this
new technology together with a new material, it will be able to
print electronic devices – a process known as Additive
Manufacturing. Further, the patent Lomiko participated in was
filed before the bigger companies announced their involvement.
"Only certain types of graphite are appropriate for use in
electronics. Our Quatre Milles discovery is near surface, high
grade, and high carbon content crystalline flake graphite. We
believe Lomiko is at the forefront of graphene development," stated
A. Paul Gill, CEO of Lomiko Metals in an exclusive interview with
Financial Press. "As well, our strategic alliance with Graphene
Labs has produced Graphene 3D Lab which has filed a provisional
patent application for the use of graphene-enhanced material, along
with other materials, in the fast growing market of 3D Printing,
also known as Additive Manufacturing within the industry."
Lomiko recently announced the Company's listing on the OTCQX
market. And this on the heels of a successful $5.5 million
financing concluded mid-March, 2014. This event gives Lomiko
significant working capital and funds for exploration and business
development.
Lomiko has virtually all its bases covered. Since development of
graphene needs high purity, large flake graphite, it has the
security of supply necessary to advance testing and eventual
production with a particular focus on 3D printing.
Gill states: "3D printing a whistle or chess piece is already
child's play. Lomiko looks to the day when the Company can print a
fully functioning cell phone, watch or stereo system."
Adding graphene to polymers, which are conventionally used in 3D
printing, enhances the properties of the polymer in many different
ways; it improves the mechanical strength as well as its electrical
and thermal conductivity. The method described in the provisional
patent application allows consumers to use the polymer, infused
with graphene, together with conventional polymers in the same
printing process, thereby fabricating functional electronic
devices.
Credit Suisse forecasts that global 3D printing market revenues
will reach almost $12 billion by 2020; they came in just over $2
billion in 2012. That represents annual growth of 20-30%. The
retail consumer/small business market shows the largest growth
potential with 100%+ year over year growth in 2013.
While the applications in 3D printing are impressive, there are
several multi-billion dollar industries that will benefit from this
alliance including the medical appliance market, biotech and super
capacitors. RFID, smart packaging, ITO replacement, sensors, logic
and memory are also areas where graphene will likely see
exceptional growth.
With a solid partnership for graphene development, a successful
financing and US listing, Lomiko has moved to the next level and
represents, not only a compelling graphite play, but with its
commitment to graphene development and expanding applications, it
has become a hi-tech play as well.
Lomiko shares trade at $0.07 with a market cap of $9
million.
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CONTACT: Lomiko Metals Inc.
A. Paul Gill
604-729-5312
info@lomiko.com
www.lomiko.com
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