A polyethylene formulation infused with a proprietary, carbon-based material significantly reduces weight while maintaining product strength and durability.

The LytR polymer composite developed by Lyten incorporates Lyten 3D Graphene, a proprietary, tunable advanced materials platform. The co-polymer is engineered for exceptional stiffness, mold release, and impact strength, said Lyten. “It is designed for rotational molding applications that require increased stiffness and low-temperature toughness with a broad processing window,” added the company.

It was just announced that the material is being used by protective case maker Pelican Products to manufacture a new generation of transport cases, including cases intended for the US military, that are 50% lighter than standard cases yet maintain the same strength and durability.

“LytR is purposely architected as a drop-in polymer replacement for the rotomold industry to unlock weight reduction without compromising strength,” said Bryce Anzelmo, PhD, Director of Product Management at Lyten. “Helping our customers manufacture products utilizing up to 50% less polyethylene could help reduce the carbon footprint in the $100 billion polyethylene market.”

A startup founded in 2015, Lyten is based in San Jose, CA. The Lyten 3D Graphene platform is its core innovation. Forthcoming commercial applications include the next-generation LytCell line of lithium-sulfur batteries for electric vehicles; a sensor array that has the potential to increase detection sensitivity for use in industrial, health, and safety applications; and the aforementioned LytR polymer composite. The company holds more than 290 patents issued or pending.