Focus Graphite’s Recently Purified Material Selected for Compression Molded Rocket Nozzle Purified material will also be used in Advanced Battery and Specialty Applications to fulfill current and future projects.
PRESS RELEASE
Focus Graphite’s Recently Purified Material Selected for
Compression Molded Rocket Nozzle
Purified material will also be used in Advanced Battery and Specialty Applications to fulfill
current and future projects.
May 15, 2025
Ottawa, ON – Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc. (TSX.V: FMS | OTCQB: FCSMF | FSE: FKC)
(“Focus” or the “Company”), is proud to announce that its high-purity graphite material, processed and
further purified through our strategic partner American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC) , is now being
advanced for specialty applications within the advanced downstream application sectors —including
use in a compression molded rocket nozzle scheduled for flight testing on the Dash Block 1 sounding
rocket, developed by Pluto Aerospace Inc.
The processed graphite originates from the Lac Knife Resource in Quebec, Canada. At AETC’s modern
fully equipped industrial graphite and carbon processing facility in Wheeling, IL, graphite -bearing ore
from Lac Knife underwent initial concentration and adv anced purification. From this material, coarse
flake graphite of various mesh sizes (+16 through +325) was recovered and thermally purified,
positioning it for transformation into a variety of products for specialized downstream applications.
One of the most compelling demonstrations of this graphite’s capabilities is its selection for the
manufacture of ablative rocket nozzle inserts, crucial components capable of
withstanding temperatures exceeding 3,000°C, Mach 6 speeds, and forces up to 150G. The use of
both natural flake and synthetic graphite in the nozzle ensures durability, heat resistance, and
ablation control—making it ideal for aerospace-grade propulsion systems. Graphite is the preferred
material in these contexts due to its thermal stability, low density, and excellent erosion resistance
under extreme conditions.
The Dash Block 1 rocket test flight is tentatively scheduled for August 2025 in New Mexico. As part of
this mission, Focus Graphite’s purified P100 mesh graphite will contribute directly to vehicle
performance and durability. Focus Advanced Materials’ logo will be displayed on the rocket body.
Dean Hanisch, CEO of Focus Graphite Inc., stated: “This opportunity showcases our high -performance
graphite material in real -world aerospace applications. Our strategy has always been to go beyond
bench-scale evaluations and provide tangible high TRL proof that our material can meet the demands
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of advanced industries. When it comes to securing offtake agreements and strategic partnerships, you
can’t argue with real-life performance. This rocket nozzle is just the beginning.”
In alignment with Executive Order (Feb. 20, 2025) on “Immediate measures to increase American
mineral production”, this partnership and demonstration allow Focus Graphite to assert that
its “Minerals,” “Processed Minerals,” and “Derivative Products” are contributing to U.S. national
interests. This is a significant milestone in establishing a North American supply chain for critical
minerals—especially as China has placed restrictions on exports of specialty flake graphite, including
grades essential to the Government applications.
The demand for autonomous and secure access to high-end graphite is growing rapidly. By proving our
material’s versatility in aerospace and specialty battery systems, Focus Graphite supports national
security, technological independence, and the supply resiliency of critical materials for Canada and the
United States.
In addition to the rocket nozzle project, purified Lac Knife graphite is also being qualified for:
• Silicon-enhanced lithium-ion battery anodes (in partnership with C4V)
• Cathode conductivity enhancement (in partnership with C4V)
• Lead-acid battery expanders
• Near net-shaped molded parts
• Functional and specialty coatings using graphene pigments
Each of these projects highlights the diversity of applications for our advanced materials and reaffirms
our commitment to being an innovative supplier for multiple high-tech markets.
We will continue to keep our shareholders and partners informed of the confirmed date and time of
the Dash Block 1 rocket launch in New Mexico. Focus Graphite looks forward to showcasing our
capabilities on a national and global scale.
About American Energy Technologies Co.
American Energy Technologies Co. (AETC) is a woman-owned, privately held business which conducts
operations out of the greater Chicago area. In its Wheeling, IL facility www.usaenergytech.com AETC
operates three business units: a manufacturing plant making battery-ready graphite and carbon
materials, a pilot demonstration facility for battery materials and graphite dispersions, and a fully-
functional applications laboratory supporting the above business units. Currently, AETC is one out of
just three in total organizations which commercially manufacture lithium-ion battery-ready graphite in
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the United States. Furthermore, AETC’s Wheeling, IL plant is currently the only industrial end-to-end
commercial manufacturer of spherical purified surface coated natural graphite in the US. In doing so,
the company develops and operates an upstream ore beneficiation, unique refining, particle
spheroidization, and carbon coating technologies. AETC is both developing and produces spherical
graphite (natural and synthetic), expanded graphite, partially graphitized nanostructured carbons,
ultra-high purity graphite-based electrically conductive inks, paints, and coatings which find use
within the industry. AETC is a proud supply chain member of electric vehicles and an approved
supplier to twelve battery manufacturers and one fuel cell producer .
About Focus Graphite Advanced Materials Inc.
Focus Graphite Advanced Materials is redefining the future of critical minerals with two 100% owned
graphite projects and battery technology. Our flagship Lac Knife project stands as one of the most
advanced high-purity graphite deposits in North America, with a fully completed feasibility study. Lac
Knife is set to become a key supplier for the battery, defense, and advanced materials industries.
Our Lac Tétépisca project further strengthens our portfolio, with the potential to be one of the largest
and highest-purity and grade graphite deposits in North America. At Focus, we go beyond mining – we
are pioneering environmentally sustainable processing solutions and innovative battery technologies,
including our patent -pending silicon -enhanced spheroidized graphite, designed to enhance battery
performance and efficiency.
Our commitment to innovation ensures a chemical-free, eco-friendly supply chain from mine to market.
Collaboration is at the core of our vision. We actively partner with industry leaders, research
institutions, and government agencies to accelerate the commercialization of next-generation graphite
materials. As a North American company, we are dedicated to securing a resilient, locally sourced
supply of critical minerals – reducing dependence on foreign -controlled markets and driving the
transition to a sustainable future.
For more information on Focus Graphite Inc. please visit www.FocusGraphite.com
Investors Contact:
Dean Hanisch
CEO, Focus Graphite Inc.
+1 (613) 612-6060
PRESS RELEASE
Jason Latkowcer
VP Corporate Development
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