Westlake Innovations, a subsidiary of Westlake Corporation, has made a strategic investment in Universal Matter. The Ontario-based company is known for its focus on producing high-quality and sustainable graphene. This investment is part of Westlake’s broader strategy to support the development of innovative technologies that can help decarbonize the planet.

Universal Matter has developed a patented technology called Flash Joule Heating (FJH). This technology allows the company to upcycle carbon waste streams into graphene and graphitized carbon. The FJH process is not only cost-effective but also scalable, making it a key component of Universal Matter’s business model. The company’s ability to produce high-quality graphene is critical for its use in a wide range of industrial applications.

In addition to its FJH technology, Universal Matter has also developed a process for dispersing graphene in various mediums. This makes it easier for customers to incorporate graphene into their products and take advantage of its unique properties. The company’s graphene can be used to enhance the performance of materials such as asphalt, concrete and rubber.

Westlake’s investment in Universal Matter is a reflection of the company’s interest in the potential of graphene. The material is known for its strength, conductivity and flexibility, making it an important component in a variety of products. By investing in Universal Matter, Westlake is positioning itself to take advantage of the growing demand for graphene and other advanced materials.

“Graphene is a material with a number of potential performance and sustainability benefits that could apply across a number of Westlake’s Performance & Essential Materials and Housing & Infrastructure Products business lines,” said John Chao, Senior Vice President and Managing Director of Westlake Innovations. “We look forward to working with Universal Matter and its management team as it moves forward on development and commercialization of its flexible technology.”

The financial terms of the investment were not disclosed.