Thursday, 20 January 2022 | PNS | Nainital
The technology to make graphene from waste plastic developed by the Professor Rajendra Singh Nanoscience and Nanotechnology Centre of the Chemistry department of Kumaon University was transferred by the National Research Development Corporation (NRDC) to Hexorp private limited.
The nanoscience and nanotechnology centre’s professor Nand Gopal Sahu informed that the chemistry department of the university had started work on the technology for making graphene from waste plastic in 2016. The team of professor Sahu then prepared a project at the National Mission on Himalayan Studies at GBPIHED, Kosi Katarmal, Almora. Considering the quality of the material, the mission granted financial assistance of Rs 2.24 crore to the project. The team also applied for a patent for the technology. The technology was initiated in 2018-19 and has now been fully developed. The team built a 100 kilogramme waste plastic upcycling machine. This machine can make 15 to 20 kilogrammes of graphene per day.
Sahu informed that considering the utility of graphene, Hexorp had applied for the technology. An agreement was reached between the company, Kumaon university, NRDC and GBPIHED. The technology transfer could not take place earlier due to the Covid pandemic. The technology transfer took place on Wednesday. Sandeep Pandey, Manoj Kalakoti, Sunil Dhali, Neha Karki, Himani Tiwari, PS Dhapola, Gaurav, Chetna Tiwari and others were also part of the team involved in the project. The university’s vice chancellor professor NK Joshi, registrar Dinesh Chandra and others were also present during the technology transfer.
