Queen's University and Eagle Graphite Report Significant Progress On Multi-Layer Graphene Project

March 16, 2017 6:45 PM EDT | Source: Eagle Graphite Incorporated

Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - March 16, 2017) - Queen’s University and Eagle Graphite Incorporated (TSXV: EGA) (FSE: NJGP) (OTC: APMFF) ("Eagle Graphite" or the "Company") are pleased to report encouraging progress resulting from their joint multi-layer graphene research effort. The research was carried out under the NSERC Engage grant program as outlined in the Company's press release of October, 2016.

Multi-Layer Graphene ("MLG") is potentially useful when incorporated into polymer composites, with a consequent large improvement in strength, stiffness and heat resistance. This is important to the aerospace and automotive industries, where high performance composites are used to reduce weight and thus fuel consumption. For electric vehicles, a reduction in weight means longer range between charging points.

Dr. Aristides Docoslis, PhD, P.Eng. and Associate Professor of Chemical Engineering at Queens University in Kingston, Ontario, describes the progress made during the preliminary phase of the project. "We have developed a new environmentally-friendly, mechanical/chemical, aqueous-based process that exfoliates graphite to very fine, micron-sized multi-layer graphene (MLG) particles of controlled size distribution and aspect ratio. The yield of graphite exfoliation and MLG size distribution correlates well with key process parameters, which is promising from a process scalability point of view. The size and aspect ratio of the produced MLG makes it suitable for use in polymer-matrix based composite materials with fine-tuned properties."

George Hawley of Supermin, who acted as a consultant to the project, adds "Our work at Queen's University aims to develop a mechanical-chemical method for exfoliating Eagle's graphite to produce MLG of an aspect ratio that is estimated to be in the correct range. Preliminary results indicate that this is achievable without using conventional exfoliation methods that rely on strong acids and explosive chemicals."

"It is important to develop new methods such as this because there is presently no practical way to incorporate graphene's extremely high strength and stiffness into advanced materials such as plastic composites reinforced with carbon fibre. Monolayer graphene is so thin that it rapidly increases the viscosity of any composites beyond the capability of today's processing equipment. Current production equipment can handle only about 1% graphene, and such a tiny amount will not make enough of a difference to be worthwhile. Multi-Layer Graphene ("MLG") on the other hand should provide the right balance between strength and workability."

"We at Eagle are excited to be at the forefront developing a potentially high value product with enormous target markets," says Jamie Deith, CEO of Eagle Graphite. "These early results are very encouraging, and we plan to continue this research for as long as it shows promise."

About Queen's University

Queen's is one of Canada's oldest degree-granting institutions and a full-spectrum, research-intensive university that conducts leading-edge research in a variety of areas. It balances excellence in undergraduate studies with well-established and innovative graduate programs. The department of Chemical Engineering at Queen's is an award-winning department in both research and teaching, reflecting the dedication in the Department to achieve the highest standard of academic excellence. Its mission is to provide internationally recognized leadership in education and research at the interface of science and engineering, anticipate the needs of our students and society as a whole, and contribute to responsible solutions for future generations. The Department of Chemical Engineering is nationally recognized as one of the top research departments in Canada and internationally acknowledged as a leading department in North America.

About Supermin

Supermin Enterprises is the consulting company of George C Hawley. Mr. Hawley worked in the UK as a Research & Development Chemist for Morgan Crucible company, a leading global manufacturer of synthetic graphite products. Later, as Technical & Marketing Director at Martin Marietta Corporation in Quebec, he was responsible for the development of the Suzorite Mica business. Working closely with auto manufacturers Ford, General Motors, Chrysler and Volkswagen, and with plastics producers GE, DuPont, GAF, and Hercules, he pioneered the reinforcement of plastics using high aspect ratio mica flake, and brought this to a production capacity of 30,000 tonnes per year.

Since 2000, Mr. Hawley has been a consultant providing expert guidance to the industrial minerals industry, including graphite.

About Eagle Graphite

Eagle Graphite Incorporated is an Ontario company that owns one of only two natural flake graphite production facilities in North America, located 35 kilometres west of the city of Nelson in British Columbia, Canada, and 70 kilometres north of the state of Washington, USA, known as the Black Crystal graphite quarry. The Company's shares are listed on the TSXV under the symbol "EGA", on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange under the symbol "NJGP", and on the US OTC market under the symbol "APMFF".

Cautionary Statements

Disclosure Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: This press release contains certain "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities legislation. Such information is based on assumptions, estimates, opinions and analysis made by management in light of its experience, current conditions and its expectations of future developments as well as other factors which it believes to be reasonable and relevant. Forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause our actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward-looking information and accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on such information. Although the Company believes, in light of the experience of its officers and directors, current conditions and expected future developments and other factors that have been considered appropriate, that the expectations reflected in this forward-looking information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on them because the Company can give no assurance that they will prove to be correct. In evaluating forward-looking information, readers should carefully consider the various factors which could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied in the forward looking information. The statements in this press release are made as of the date of this release. The Company undertakes no obligation to comment on analyses, expectations or statements made by third parties in respect of the Company or its securities, its financial or operating results, as applicable.

Neither the TSXV nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSXV) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Eagle Graphite Incorporated
Jamie Deith
Chief Executive Officer
(604) 909-4237
jdeith@eaglegraphite.com

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