Abstract: Disclosed are graphite nanoplatelets produced by a process which comprises thermal plasma expansion of intercalated graphite to produce expanded graphite followed by exfoliation of the expanded graphite, where the exfoliation step is selected from ultrasonication, wet milling and controlled caviation and where greater than 95% of the graphite nanoplatelets have a thickness of from about 0.34 nm to about 50 nm and a length and width of from about 500 nm to about 50 microns. The intercalated graphite is intercalated for example with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids. The plasma reactor for example employs an RF induction plasma torch. All three exfoliation methods are performed in an organic solvent or water. The exfoliation steps may be performed with the aid of for example a nonionic surfactant. Also disclosed are plastic, ink, coating, lubricant or grease compositions comprising the graphite nanoplatelets.

Abstract: The invention is directed to an antimicrobial metal composite formed by vaporizing an antimicrobial metal or antimicrobial metal salt such as silver, copper or salts thereof using an plasma system and cooling the formed vapor in the presence of a fluidized gas of filler powder. Alternatively, the filler or a filler precursor is entrained with the antimicrobial metal or antimicrobial metal precursor and vaporized and then upon cooling the antimicrobial metal vapor and filler vapor condense to form the composite. The composite shows high antimicrobial activity and can be incorporated into or onto polymers, coatings, textiles, paper, gels (for example for wound care), lubricants, adhesives and cosmetics or pharmaceutical, especially medical devices.

Abstract: Disclosed are graphite nanoplatelets produced by a process which comprises thermal plasma expansion of intercalated graphite to produce expanded graphite followed by exfoliation of the expanded graphite, where the exfoliation step is selected from ultrasonication, wet milling and controlled caviation and where greater than 95% of the graphite nanoplatelets have a thickness of from about 0.34 nm to about 50 nm and a length and width of from about 500 nm to about 50 microns. The intercalated graphite is intercalated for example with a mixture of sulfuric and nitric acids. The plasma reactor for example employs an RF induction plasma torch. All three exfoliation methods are performed in an organic solvent or water. The exfoliation steps may be performed with the aid of for example a nonionic surfactant. Also disclosed are plastic, ink, coating, lubricant or grease compositions comprising the graphite nanoplatelets.