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Directa Plus gets Italian patent for tyre applications
Graphene-based products producer and supplier Directa Plus announced on Monday that the Ufficio Brevetti e Marchi - the Italian patent and trademark office- has granted it a patent for the product and application of its new graphene-based solution for enhancing the performance of tyres.
The AIM-traded firm said that specifically, the patent covered its 'elastomeric composition comprising graphene and tyre components comprising said composition'.
It said the incorporation of Graphene Plus (G+) in tyres produced the joint effect of simultaneously reducing rolling resistance and increasing grip.
"The result is a tyre that is both faster in motion and safer in turning under braking or in extreme weather conditions," the board explained in its statement.
"In addition, the effectiveness of G+ reduces fuel consumption as overcoming resisting forces accounts for a significant proportion of a vehicle's fuel usage as well as increasing the lifespan of the tyre due to reduced wear.
"As a result, the application of G+ offers economic efficiency as well as environmental sustainability."
It explained that the benefits of incorporating G+ into tyres had been demonstrated by the company's long standing relationship with Vittoria group, a leading manufacturer of bicycle tyres.
Vittoria had already launched multiple award-winning G+ bicycle tyres for on-road and off-road use.
The company said it was also conducting ongoing tests with other automotive and potential industrial partners of its G+ elastomeric composition for tyres.
"The push for fuel efficiency from consumers and environmental groups means there is a growing demand for eco-friendly tyres," said chief executive Giulio Cesareo.
"Offering tyres that are both sustainable and performance-enhancing reflects the core values of Directa Plus, and is bringing real innovation to an established and expanding industry."
Cesareo noted that the "unique "qualities of G+ had been validated in bicycle tyres through its commercial partnership with Vittoria.
"The receipt of this latest patent means we are now well positioned to expand the rollout of G+ tyres to the global automobile and motorcycle industries."
Directa Plus confirmed it now has a portfolio of 17 patents granted, and 15 pending.