Danish-developed material with unique properties: Paving the way for smart t-shirts

Danish Graphene has developed a groundbreaking graphene-based ink that could change the way we think about wearables and smart clothing. Graphene is a revolutionary material consisting of a thin, flexible and highly electrically conductive form of carbon.

Danish Graphene is a spin-out from Aarhus University and in collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute in a MADE demonstration project has created an ink that can be used in advanced printed electronics and opens new market opportunities. The ink makes it possible to develop intelligent t-shirts that can measure body data, such as heart rate, and running shoes that analyze running patterns and offer real-time feedback.

“We wanted to utilize the unique properties of graphene to create an electrically conductive ink that can be used in advanced applications such as printed electronics. The collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute has allowed us to couple our graphene with a refined ink recipe to create one of the world’s best graphene inks. This has opened up new opportunities for us, both in existing markets and exciting new applications. Currently, we are also investigating whether the graphene ink can be used in space as a coating against electromagnetic radiation,” says Danish Graphene’s CTO, Kristian Birk Buhl on MADE’s website.

Great potential in graphene

The collaboration has allowed them to refine their product and now have “one of the world’s best graphene inks,” opening doors to both existing and entirely new markets. One of the most promising applications is in smart wearables, where electrical conductivity combined with skin-friendliness is crucial.

Danish Graphene’s graphene inks offer several advantages over traditional ink types and materials. With its high conductivity and durability, graphene ink can coat surfaces where it acts as an electrical circuit, making it ideal for wearables that require a high degree of flexibility and functionality. The ink can pick up and conduct small electrical impulses, which is crucial in smart t-shirts and exercise equipment that responds to body movements.

Kristian Birk Buhl is excited about the results that the collaboration with the Danish Technological Institute through MADE has made possible.

“We have achieved some really promising results that confirm the potential of our graphene inks to compete with the best on the market. Normally it would have taken us much longer and more resources to achieve these results, but the collaboration has allowed us to accelerate the process significantly,” he says.

Ready for the next phase of development

Normally, this would have required a significantly larger investment of time and resources, but the partnership has accelerated the process and allowed Danish Graphene to shorten the path to market.

“We’re also looking at how the ink can be integrated into commercial applications. We know that the ink is particularly suitable for smart wearables, as these applications require high electrical conductivity, and not least because graphene, unlike other materials, is not harmful to the skin,” explains Kristian Birk Buhl.

With the promising proof of concept in hand, the company is now ready for the next phase of development, exploring commercial integrations and other possible applications. Danish Graphene is also considering whether its graphene inks can be used in aerospace as a protective coating against electromagnetic radiation – a whole new direction that opens up potential in a wide range of high-tech industries.

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