The science behind Inside:
GQD.
Graphene Quantum Dots.
Inside is made of graphene quantum dots (GQD). They are produced by a physical process with no chemical additives and protected by 21 patents. Choose from three particle sizes — 10, 20 and 50 nm — to suit your application.
01 / What it is
What is a quantum dot?
A quantum dot is a nanometer-scale particle. Because of the quantum size effect, it shows electronic and optical properties that bulk materials do not. GranovaQ® GQD is a quantum dot built from graphene.
Graphene normally spreads out as a sheet. GQD cuts that sheet down to particles of 10 to 50 nm, bringing it into the quantum dot range. This gives the material good dispersibility, transparency and functional performance.
What is graphene? (a simple guide) →What is GQD? (in detail) →
- Size
- 10 / 20 / 50 nm
- Process
- Physical only
- Patents
- 21
02 / Process
Purely physical. No chemical additives.
The common oxidation methods, such as the Hummers method, use strong acids and oxidizers, and the chemical residue distorts the crystal structure. GranovaQ is made by a physical process only, so the quantum dots keep the original properties of graphene.
01 / Raw material
Graphite, selected.
We start from natural graphite and control its crystal structure with a patented process. No chemical additives are used at any stage.
02 / Physical process
No chemistry. No residue.
We do not use oxidation methods such as the Hummers method, so no strong acids, oxidizers or organic solvents are left behind. Graphene keeps its original electronic structure.
03 / Quantum dots
Cut to 10 / 20 / 50 nm.
Particle-size control lets us produce three grades of quantum dots at a stable volume. Electronic properties change with particle size, so each grade can be matched to its use.
04 / Material
Protected by 21 patents.
The result is a material of uniform-size quantum dots, protected by 21 patents.
Cost advantage
One-tenth the production cost.
Compared with conventional graphene mass-production processes. We supply more than 30 textile companies in China at volume, and built our cost position at that scale.
Metal-free
No metals used.
The material contains no metals, so there is none of the metal leaching that can occur with silver- or copper-based finishes.
03 / Properties
10, 20 or 50 nm — pick your size.
Electronic properties and function change with particle size. Choose the grade that fits your use, whether cosmetics, textiles or nonwovens.
10 nm
Smallest, sharpest.
For cosmetic formulas that need to stay clear, such as scalp essences and lotions.
Strong quantum size effect, high transparency
20 nm
Standard for skincare.
The standard grade for cosmetics. Shampoo, body wash and blended fibers for innerwear.
Balance of stability and function
50 nm
Heavy duty.
For uses that need fiber strength: bedding fillings, nonwovens and commercial textiles.
Added strength and durability
04 / Functions
Five functions, as marketed in Japan.
Antibacterial and odor-resistant, antiviral, anti-mite, anti-mold and far-infrared emission. Here are the functions of Inside, one by one.
Antibacterial & odor-resistant
As marketed in Japan
Inhibits the growth of specific bacteria on the fiber, helping to prevent odor.
GQD is bound into the fiber and contains no metals, so it does not leach out. The effect is long-lasting and resistant to washing.
Antiviral
As marketed in Japan
Reduces specific viruses that adhere to the fiber.
No chemical agents are added. GQD stays bound in the material through repeated use and washing.
Anti-mite / Anti-mold
As marketed in Japan
Helps keep dust mites away. Helps prevent mold from growing on the fiber surface.
Well suited to items used every day, such as bedding and innerwear.
Far-infrared
As marketed in Japan
Emits far-infrared radiation.
Graphene naturally emits far-infrared radiation. In Japan, the material is used in recovery wear (notified in Japan as a general medical device) and in textiles used in care settings.
The functions above describe the material itself, as marketed in Japan. They are not claims that any product protects people from bacteria, viruses or disease. Claims that may be made for products sold outside Japan depend on local regulations (for example, the U.S. EPA and the EU Biocidal Products Regulation). Please consult us for each market.
Results depend on conditions of use, blend ratio and the target. For details, please contact us. See also the Functions page.
— Read on
Explore thefive functions.
After the material, the functions. The Functions page lists the five functions of Inside as marketed in Japan, along with two key traits: it is bound into the fiber, and it is metal-free.