Please share some background on yourself and your company

I’m John Swanson, new to NeoGraf as R&D Director but seasoned in engineered materials. My journey spans from undergraduate polymer research at Cal Poly to a PhD in biodegradable polymers at Akron, followed by years of developing specialty materials at Avient. NeoGraf, with its focus on engineered carbon solutions, was a natural next step. 

NeoGraf Solutions has led graphite innovation since 1881. We’re known for high-quality, innovative graphite solutions across various markets. While we’re well-known for thermal management solutions in electronics and batteries, as well as gaskets for industrial sealants, we’re seeing a significant impact in thermal management for building and construction foams, intumescent flame retardants, and heat transfer applications in the plastics compounding industry.

Our strength lies in integrated North American manufacturing and a diverse global supply chain, allowing us to transform raw graphite into specialized solutions. We’re constantly pushing boundaries with innovation. I’m excited to explore how our expertise can benefit the compounding industry, solving challenges and unlocking new possibilities.

What separates NeoGraf Solutions from its competitors?

NeoGraf stands out through our 140-year history of graphite innovation and our comprehensive control over the production process. We transform raw graphite flake into various forms, from intumescent flame retardants to high-performance thermal management tapes, ensuring quality and customization. Our vertical integration guarantees unmatched quality control and customization capabilities, allowing us to precisely meet specific customer needs.

Our commitment to supply chain security is crucial. We’ve diversified our global raw material sourcing, reducing dependence on any single region—an essential strategy given the potential 25% tariff on Chinese graphite imports in 2026. Our North American manufacturing provides a strategic advantage.

We’re dedicated to sustainability, optimizing processes to minimize energy use, water consumption, and waste. Our vertical integration ensures that little material goes to waste, as it’s often repurposed for other products.

Finally, our collaborative approach sets us apart. We partner with customers to develop tailored solutions, tackling complex industry challenges with our technical expertise.

How can graphite help solve customer problems in the plastics compounding industry; where is graphite overlooked as a possible solution?

Graphite is often underutilized in plastics compounding, but its potential is vast. Our Graf+® graphite powders significantly enhance thermal and electrical conductivity in polymer composites, solving issues ranging from device overheating to boosting foam insulation properties. They can also improve mechanical properties, increase strength, and reduce weight, which are crucial for automotive lightweighting.

For flame retardancy, our GrafGuard® expandable graphite provides an effective, halogen-free solution by itself or synergistically, meeting strict regulations in building and construction and automotive applications.

While graphene receives a lot of attention, it is still relatively new and is in the process of establishing its place in the market. We’re exploring how nano-engineered graphite can offer similar benefits with more immediate practical applications. Our Graf-X™ Graphene Nanoplatelets are pushing these boundaries.

From conductive polymers to thermally efficient composites, graphite’s potential in plastics compounding is immense and largely untapped. NeoGraf’s expertise can help compounders overcome challenges they face with traditional additives, and we’re excited to collaborate on innovative solutions in this space.

What are you most looking forward to from the expo?

Having attended this expo many times, I’m excited to reconnect with familiar faces - former colleagues, current customers, and suppliers. These reunions are always a highlight, offering a chance to catch up and share insights.

I’m eager to forge new connections, exploring synergies between our graphite solutions and various compounding applications. I’ve experienced firsthand how expo conversations can lead to real impact. For instance, an ACS meeting in 2011 inspired work on bio-based phase change thermosets, later optimized at Cal Poly and now being commercialized by Geisys Ventures as “D-Glue.” Similarly, a supplier introduction at a past Compounding World visit led to being part of a team that developed and launched a low-carbon footprint engineering thermoplastic portfolio.

Lastly, I’m looking forward to introducing NeoGraf’s capabilities to the compounding community. Many in the industry might not be aware of how graphite can enhance their products, and I’m excited about those potentially game-changing conversations. The expo is an ideal platform for sparking new collaborations and innovations.

Dr. John Swanson will be speaking on Day 2 at the Compounding World Expo Theater.

Conference Producer

Medwyn Roberts manages AMI's compounding portfolio of events. Over the past 2 years he has put together a variety of programs across three continents, including our various expos - Compounding World Expo Brussels 2024, Compounding World Expo North America 2023, and Injection Molding & Design Expo 2023. Medwyn has worked in a variety of industries and is interested in bringing together speakers from different disciplines to share best practice.