University of Manchester and Chinese Aviation Company Could Deliver Next Generation of Graphene Aircraft

Graphene planes could be a step closer to reality as a result of a partnership between The University of Manchester and a leading Chinese aviation company.

Beijing Institute of Aeronautical Materials (BIAM) has become the latest partner of the National Graphene Institute (NGI), based at the University, to promote the research and development in graphene reinforced aluminium matrix composites areas, and accelerate the application of graphene in the aviation industry and other sectors.

For this project, BIAM and the University will exchange expertise on the structure of grapheme.

The projects could result in lighter, stronger and conductive parts for aeroplanes, high speed trains and other industrial equipment to replace traditional materials. With graphene added, the strength of aluminium alloy could be highly improved while retaining its quality.

The collaboration could accelerate the updating of aeroplane structural materials and functional materials.

In the future, the two parties expect to expand the collaboration on graphene materials. Besides the graphene reinforced aluminium, both parties will be looking to collaborate in areas of graphene energy storage materials, environmental purification materials and information materials.

James Baker, Business Director at The University of Manchester, said:

"We are delighted to be working with BIAM on collaborative graphene applications."

"Aerospace and other transport areas show great potential for graphene activity and The University of Manchester is leading the way in these areas and many others. Partnering with companies like BIAM gives up the opportunity to accelerate products to market and turn fundamental research into applications of the future."

The news comes after the Chinese President visited the National Graphene Institute at the University of Manchester, Manchester Town Hall and Manchester City's Etihad Stadium in October.

It was also revealed on December 1 that Manchester City Football Club received 265 million pounds in investments from China's leading media, entertainment, sports and internet company CMC (China Media Capital) Holdings.