The world's first commercial graphene-reinforced fiber composite swimming pool comes out, which can reduce the water diffusion coefficient by 10 times

Aquatic Leisure Technologies (ALT) has recently unveiled the world's first graphene-reinforced glass fibre reinforced composite (GFRP) swimming pool
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The graphene nanotechnology swimming pool obtained by using graphene-modified resin combined with conventional GFRP fabrication is lighter, stronger and more durable than conventional GFRP pools, the company said
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In 2018, ALT approached project partner and Western Australian company First Graphene (FG), a supplier of high-performance graphene products
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After more than 40 years in the manufacture of GFRP swimming pools, ALT has been searching for better moisture absorption solutions
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While the interior of the GFRP pool is protected by a double gel coat, the exterior is susceptible to moisture from the surrounding soil
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According to Neil Armstrong, Commercial Manager of Composites at First Graphene: GFRP systems tend to absorb moisture because they contain reactive groups that can react with the absorbed water through hydrolysis, causing moisture to enter the matrix and potentially osmotic foaming
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Manufacturers employ various strategies to reduce water penetration on the exterior of GFRP pools, such as adding vinyl ester barriers to laminate structures
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However, ALT wanted a stronger option with added flexural strength to help its pool maintain its shape and withstand pressure from backfill as well as hydrostatic or hydrodynamic loads
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While First Graphene helped create graphene-filled GFRP laminates for the marine industry and water storage systems, swimming pools are new territory
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To determine the ideal formulation of PureGRAPH® graphene nanosheet powder for swimming pools, the company conducted flexural strength and water repellency tests
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Armstrong said: We experimented with different grades and concentrations to determine the best mix for adding resin
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Within a few months, the company demonstrated that mixing a small amount of PureGRAPH with polyester styrene resin and chopped glass fiber reinforcement produced GFRP that was lighter in weight, 30 percent stronger, and less susceptible to water diffusion
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The addition of graphene reduces the water diffusivity by a factor of 10
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The company's first task was to find equipment that would effectively incorporate PureGRAPH powder into resins
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ALT has invented a patent-pending process to reduce the size of graphene agglomerates and disperse graphene uniformly throughout the resin matrix
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Production and shipping delays due to the impact of COVID-19 have delayed its commercialization by nearly a year as the company waits for specialist mixing equipment to arrive
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After incorporating the equipment into its production line and developing safe handling procedures for graphene powder materials, ALT launched its first graphene infusion pool in May of this year
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The need for additional equipment and a reluctance to handle powdered materials can create hurdles for some companies, Armstrong said
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As a result, First Graphene is developing a liquid PureGRAPH product and has released a range of aqueous slurries for other applications
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Ultimately the company wants resin manufacturers to integrate PureGRAPH into the solution
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Meanwhile, ALT Managing Director Lynley Papineau is pleased with the new GFRP material, noting that by incorporating PureGRAPH into the swimming pool range, it marks a new era of preformed fiberglass composite swimming pools that can have higher strength, durability, water and chemical resistance
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It is reported that ALT plans to promote its graphene nanotechnology pools in Australia, New Zealand and the United States
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For the first few years, ALT and First Graphene will enter into an exclusive supply contract
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Over time, First Graphene expects graphene GFRP technology to be used in the leisure pool industry as well as in the marine, water engineering and sports equipment markets
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In addition, other innovative structures are currently undergoing sea trials including a graphene-enhanced GFRP surfboard and the first graphene-enhanced ship (built by Ascent Shipwrights in Perth, Australia)
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