Versarien : Graphene Quality Assurance

Versarien plc

('Versarien' or the 'Company')

Graphene Quality Assurance

Versarien plc (AIM: VRS), the advanced materials engineering group,is pleased to provide an update on recent senior appointments to strengthen the Company's graphene technology team, with a particular focus on quality assurance, and the selection of the Company to be the launch client of The Graphene Council's 'Verified Graphene Producer' programme in the USA.

Strengthening of Graphene Technology Team

The Company is pleased to announce the appointments of Dr Denis Koltsov and Dr Martin Kemp to strengthen its graphene technology team, with a particular focus on quality assurance. Both Dr Kemp and Dr Kolsov are at the forefront of developing the international standards that will define graphene and other nanomaterials.

Dr Denis Koltsov is Chair of ISO TC 229 Nanotechnology Standards Group at ISO (International Organization for Standardization). ISO TC 229 has already published 65 ISO standards in the field of nanotechnologies and has a further 43 standards under development. Their focus is on developing a set of peer reviewed standards for graphene and closely related materials that will facilitate the ability of producers and users of these materials to have confidence in the level of performance on a consistent and measurable basis.

Dr Martin Kemp is Chairman of the Nanomaterials Committee of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining (IOM³). Of particular note, Dr Kemp has written the new standard for graphene flakes (British Standard Institution BSI PAS 1201:2018 'Properties of Graphene Flakes - Guide') which was sponsored by InnovateUK and will be published in August 2018.

Graphene Council Verified Graphene Producer Programme

The Company is pleased to announce that it has been selected to be The Graphene Council's launch client for their 'Verified Graphene Producer' programme, which will independently verify that the Company's Nanene graphene nano platelets meet their demanding standards.

The US-headquartered Graphene Council is the leading platform for people and companies that are interested in the research, development and application of graphene world-wide. Founded in September 2013, more than 4,700 researchers, scientists, students and graphene commercial professionals have already joined. The Graphene Council is the USNC Technical Advisory Group to IEC TC 113, Nano-Electrotechnologies.

Commenting, Terrance Barkan, Executive Director, The Graphene Council, said:'We are delighted that Versarien will be our inaugural client undertaking verification to our demanding standards. The 'Graphene Council Verified Graphene Producer' programme is the only independent in-person inspection regime for graphene. As the largest and most advanced community for graphene professionals, the mission of The Graphene Council is to help bring transparency and confidence to the rapidly developing graphene industry.'

Neill Ricketts, CEO of Versarien, commented:'I am delighted that Martin and Denis have joined the Versarien team. Both are working at the very forefront of drawing up the international standards that will define graphene and their expertise will be invaluable as we seek to be the supplier of choice for high quality graphene and other nanomaterials.

'I am also very pleased that The Graphene Council has selected Versarien to be the launch client of its 'Verified Graphene Producer' programme. Accreditation from The Graphene Council will provide our customers with the assurance that Versarien's graphene is of the highest quality and meets relevant standards.

'In the UK we attended the recent launch of the new graphene characterisation service being established by the National Physical Laboratory and the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester. We also intend using this service, when available, building on our already strong relationships with these organisations.'

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About Versarien

Versarien plc (AIM:VRS), is an advanced engineering materials group. Leveraging proprietary technology, the Group creates innovative engineering solutions for its clients in a diverse range of industries. Versarien has five subsidiaries operating under two divisions:

Graphene and Plastics

2-DTech Ltd, which specialises in the supply, characterisation and early stage development of graphene products.www.2-dtech.com

AAC Cyroma Ltd, which specialises in the supplyof vacuum-formed and injection-moulded products to the automotive, construction, utilities and retail industry sectors. Using Versarien's existing graphene manufacturing capabilities, AAC will have the ability to produce graphene-enhanced plastic products.www.aaccyroma.co.uk

Cambridge Graphene Ltd, supplies novel inks based on graphene and related materials, using patented processes to develop graphene materials technology for licensing to manufacturers.www.cambridgegraphene.com

Thermal and Hard Wear Products

Versarien Technologies Ltd. has developed an additive process for creating advanced micro-porous metals targeting the thermal management industry and supplies extruded aluminium.www.versarien-technologies.co.uk

Total Carbide Ltd, a leading manufacturer in sintered tungsten carbide for applications in arduous environments such as the oil and gas industry.www.totalcarbide.com