MARTINREA IMPROVES BRAKE LINES WITH GRAPHENE - AUTOLINE EXCLUSIVES

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This Autoline Exclusives interview with Pat DiRamo, President and CEO of Martinrea, explores the innovative application of graphene coatings to automotive brake lines. Martinrea, a Tier 1 automotive supplier, has developed a graphene-infused nylon coating that significantly enhances abrasion resistance, improving product durability by an estimated thousandfold compared to traditional methods. This advancement not only offers superior protection against wear and tear from road debris and elements but also allows for the removal of secondary protective materials like polypropylene and padding (Sumi Tape), resulting in approximately 25% weight savings and reduced costs. The company extrudes the graphene-nylon compound directly onto the brake lines during manufacturing, a process that requires minimal capital investment and does not necessitate changes from automakers, potentially simplifying installation. Martinrea is also exploring graphene applications for fuel lines, A/C lines, and polymer parts, highlighting its potential as a versatile material in the automotive industry. The first production vehicles featuring this technology are expected by mid-summer.