Introduction:

Graphene has been touted as the most significant, impactful new material to be introduced in decades; one that will change the face of consumer and durable products as the future unfolds.  Graphene’s unique 2D structure has physical properties that are vast with extraordinary stated improvements of 10X the thermal conductivity of copper, 1000X more electrically conductive than copper, 200X stronger than structural steel, 97% transparent and the ability to flex up to 20% without damage.  First developed in a lab only 12 years ago, this 21st century material will revolutionize our world in the decades to come.

Challenge:

Explore and define the numerous ways that graphene can change and enhance the materials and technologies used by the mattress industry today and in the future. 

Discussion:

Subsequent to a discussion of the current state of materials and technologies used by the mattress industry, including a healthy conversation regarding unmet consumer needs and sharing of the future direction of our advanced technology development, a multi-disciplined academic team of Georgia Tech faculty will ideate with a multi-functional team of Simmons leadership from marketing, product development and advanced technology on the ways that graphene can enhance, optimize and revolutionize our industry.