Written by Kerryn Caulfield, Executive Director, Composites Australia Inc.
ALT approached First Graphene (FGR) in 2018 to explore techniques to enhance pool performance using PureGRAPH® graphene. Pool durability is influenced by the materials used and soil and water conditions. Different soil types—sandy, clayey, silty, or rocky—affect drainage, compaction, and movement, while wet soils, such as clay, retain water and can expand, creating hydrostatic pressure. While ALT’s pools already feature a dual gel coat to protect the interior, adding graphene addresses exterior vulnerabilities by improving barrier properties and enhancing flexural strength.
Research by First Graphene determined that low concentrations of its PureGRAPH® graphene were sufficient for significant performance improvements. In parallel, ALT developed and patented a process to reduce graphene agglomerates and evenly disperse the graphene within the resin matrix. This involved designing and installing specialised mixing equipment into their production line and implementing new manufacturing procedures to accommodate the material.
The resulting fibreglass pool technology, Graphene Nano-Tech®, represents a new generation of innovation. It reduces weight while enhancing rigidity and flexural strength.
These graphene-enhanced pools are 30 per cent stronger and 30 per cent lighter and provide excellent resistance to water diffusion, moisture transpiration and chemicals.
“Graphene is over 200 times stronger than steel. It strengthens our pools, improves water and chemical resistance, and ensures durability even in challenging conditions,” explains Lynley Papineau, Managing Director ALT. “By infusing it into our pools; we’ve created our strongest pool ever, built like no other.”
