Zentek Subsidiary Albany Graphite Corp. Provides Additional Positive Nuclear Suitability Testing Results

Executive Summary

• Albany Graphite Corp., a Zentek subsidiary, completed extensive material‑characterization testing that confirms the ultra‑high purity graphite meets or exceeds all nuclear‑grade specifications.
• Key performance metrics—including particle size distribution, compressibility, four‑point resistivity, coefficient of friction and Equivalent Boron Concentration—are within or better than industry thresholds, supporting suitability for pebble‑bed and other advanced reactors.
• The next phase will produce near‑net‑shaped graphite bricks for further validation; successful results reinforce Zentet’s strategic position in critical minerals and nuclear‑grade material markets.

Key Details

• Purity & Chemistry – LOI purity measured at 99.9992 wt.% C (≥ 99.999 % min); ash content 0.0008 wt.% (≤ 0.001 % max).
• Equivalent Boron Concentration (EBC) – 2.60 ppm, below the 3 ppm limit for nuclear use.
• Particle Size Distribution – D10 = 4.4 µm, D50 = 10.7 µm, D90 = 31.7 µm; all within acceptable ranges (D10 2.9‑4.9 µm, D50 9.5‑11 µm, D90 27‑35 µm).
• Air Jet Sub‑Sieve Analyzer Yield – 100 % (≥ 85 % required), confirming proper particle size for reactor component processing.
• Compressibility – 13.95 % (acceptable 11‑40 %), indicating high compact density and low elastic expansion after compression.
• Four‑Point Resistivity at 1 mT – 0.428 Ω·in (acceptable 0.15‑0.68 Ω·in), reflecting a high degree of graphitization and excellent thermal/electrical conductivity.
• Coefficient of Friction – 0.09 µ (acceptable 0.08‑0.15 µ), meeting industry standards for wear resistance in auxiliary reactor systems.
• Tap Density & Scott Volume – Tap density 0.3 g/cm³ (range 0.25‑0.50); Scott volume 0.2 g/cm³ (range 0.09‑0.25).
• Specific Surface Area – 12.7 m²/g (acceptable 4‑14 m²/g).

Next Steps

• Production of near‑net‑shaped graphite bricks using a blend of synthetic graphite, ultra‑high purity Albany graphite and coal‑tar pitch.
• Subsequent testing of composite bricks to confirm compliance with nuclear industry specifications for anisotropic grain orientation and structural integrity.

Notable Quotes

• Emily Schmidt, Project Manager & Business Development – AETC: “Purity alone is necessary but insufficient… we have seen that purified Albany graphite measured 2.6 ppm EBC and is meeting this industry spec… It is great to see that Albany Graphite complies with this and other industry specs.”
• Wendy Ford, CFO & Interim CEO – Zentek: “We are greatly encouraged by these latest results… Consistently meeting and even surpassing the stringent requirements for nuclear‑grade graphite highlights not only the exceptional quality of our material but also the dedication and expertise of our team and partners.”

Materiality Assessment: Material – Positive (the data substantively advances Zentek’s commercial prospects in the nuclear‑grade graphite market).