NanoXplore Inc. (TSX: GRA, OTCQX: NNXPF), a graphene materials company based in Montreal, has landed a significant multi-year supply agreement with Chevron Phillips Chemical (CPChem). Starting in October 2025, NanoXplore will provide Tribografâ„¢, its proprietary carbon product made at its Montreal graphene production facility, to CPChem for use in oil and gas drilling fluid lubricants. This agreement reflects a deepening collaboration between the two companies aimed at improving drilling efficiency through innovative materials.
Tribografâ„¢ forms the key ingredient in NanoSlideâ„¢, a lubricant specifically developed by NanoXplore and the Drilling Specialties division of CPChem. Used in demanding drilling environments, NanoSlideâ„¢ harnesses the lubricating properties of high-aspect ratio graphene but without causing flow restrictions in drilling fluids, a notable challenge for typical graphene products. The lubricant has already demonstrated success in difficult geological formations such as tight oil reservoirs with low permeability and low porosity, as well as extended reach laterals. Customers report NanoSlideâ„¢ lowers the coefficient of friction, reducing drilling time and helping operators tackle challenging subsurface conditions more effectively.
Chevron Phillips Chemical is a major player in the petrochemical industry, jointly owned by Chevron Corporation and Phillips 66. Headquartered in The Woodlands, Texas, the company owns and operates 31 manufacturing and research facilities across the U.S., Europe, and Asia. With approximately 5,000 employees, CPChem specializes in petrochemicals including olefins, polyolefins, aromatics, and a variety of specialty chemicals used in numerous industrial and consumer applications. The new contract with NanoXplore fits within CPChem’s dedication to advancing cost-efficient, innovative solutions for their customer base.
Jay Bickett, senior vice president of polymers and specialties at CPChem, highlighted the shared focus on innovation driving the partnership and anticipated the value this collaboration will bring to customers. From NanoXplore’s perspective, Chief Operating Officer Rocco Marinaccio emphasized that the agreement is a major milestone that underscores the industrial impact advanced carbon materials like graphene can have.
NanoXplore’s business extends beyond graphite powders, also manufacturing graphene-enhanced plastics and composite materials for transportation, packaging, electronics, and industrial markets. The company produces silicon-graphene-enhanced lithium-ion batteries to serve electric vehicle and grid storage sectors as well. NanoXplore operates manufacturing sites in Canada, the United States, and Europe.
In drilling fluid applications, advanced lubricants like NanoSlideâ„¢ help reduce friction and wear on equipment, optimize drilling rates, and cut non-productive time. The ability to drill faster and more efficiently directly influences operational costs and project timelines in the oil and gas sector. Developing formulations that incorporate graphene to meet these demands illustrates how materials innovation is increasingly important in specialty chemical products serving energy industries.
The deal confirms NanoXplore’s growing path toward expanding commercial use of Tribograf™ beyond internal applications. It also boosts CPChem’s portfolio by adding a specialty lubricant designed specifically to perform in the technically challenging conditions typical of modern oil and gas drilling operations.
Overall, the contract marks a noteworthy step in the adoption of graphene-enhanced materials within petrochemical supply chains and highlights collaboration between innovative mid-size tech suppliers and global chemical manufacturers.
