Graphene Coating: introduction and market status
What is a coating?
A coating is a covering that is applied to the surface of an object. The purpose of applying the coating may be decorative, functional, or both. Coatings are ubiquitous and can be found on walls, furniture, on all sorts of wires and printed circuits, the outside of houses and cars, and much more. In addition, the decorative duties of coatings span quite a broad spectrum.
Decorative coatings are mainly used for their color, texture or other visual property. Functional coatings are applied to change the surface properties of the substrate, such as adhesion, wettability, corrosion resistance, wear resistance and more. In some cases, the coating adds an entirely new property such as a magnetic response or electrical conductivity and forms an essential part of the finished product.
Coatings may be used in various processes, that are roughly divided into: vapor deposition, spraying, chemical and electrochemical techniques, roll-to-roll coating processes and other, less prominent techniques.
What is graphene?
Graphene is a two dimensional layer of carbon atoms, arranged in the form of a honeycomb lattice. It is touted as a “miracle material†because it is endowed with an abundance of astonishing traits - this thin, one atom thick substance is the lightest, strongest, thinnest material known to man, as well as the best heat and electricity conductor ever discovered - and the list does not end there. Graphene is the subject of relentless research and is thought to be able to revolutionize whole industries, as researchers work on many different kinds of graphene-based materials - each one with unique qualities and purpose.
Graphene for coatings
The vast selection of extraordinary properties that graphene possesses can open the door to many interesting types of coatings, paints, inks and more. Graphene's high resistivity can make for durable coatings that do not crack and are resistant to water and oil; its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity can be used to make various conductive paints, and a strong barrier effect can contribute to extraordinary anti-oxidant, scratch-resistant and anti-UVA coatings.
Graphene enables a wide array of functional coatings and paints, for many possible applications. Among these can be high performance adhesives enabled by graphene's high adhesion property, anti-bacterial coatings, solar paints (capable of absorbing solar energy and transmitting it), paints that provide isolation for houses, anti-rust coatings, anti-fog paints and UV ray blockers, non-stick coatings for various domestic applications (like frying pans and countertops) and even a much-hyped possibility (currently under scientific examination) of a coating that turns a regular wall into a screen.
Commercial activity
Graphene-enhanced products are yet to reach widespread commercialization. Nonetheless, given graphene’s impressive array of properties and the vigorous R&D that is taking place, graphene-enhanced coatings should not be too far away.
The Sixth Element Materials, a Chinese company that focuses on R&D, mass production and sales of graphene and related materials, showcased its graphene-zinc anti-corrosion primer used for offshore wind power tower, that can come at a competitive price compared with zinc rich epoxy primer.
Garmor, the University of Central Florida spin-off formed to develop a new graphene oxide flakes production process, has developed graphene oxide-based coatings useful for limiting UV radiation damage to sensors and polymers. Garmor's transparent GO-films are reportedly derived from a commercially-viable and scalable process that can be readily implemented with minimal constraints.
Four layers of GO coating on polycarbonate
The Spain-based Graphenano announced the launch of a graphene-based series of paints and coatings called Graphenstone in 2014. These are said to be very strong and also acts as a protective layer against environmental damage. Graphenstone is made from a graphene powder and limestone powder.
The British Electro Conductive Products released a sprayable transparent conductive coating based on a CNT and graphene platelets (GNP) hybrid material. TBA are targeting the food, electronics, pharmaceuticals and petrochemicals markets.The new ATEX-compliant product is available as a clear, anti-static aerosol, and it should also be available as bulk paint. Its application will safeguard electronic equipment used in explosive environments and bring it up to European standards.
Further reading
- Introduction to graphene
- Graphene Composites
- Graphene company database
- How to invest in the graphene revolution
- The Graphene Handbook, our very own guide to the graphene market
GMG moves toward new 10-tonne graphene plant
Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) has announced that it will invest AU$900,000 (around US$578,400) ahead of commissioning a planned 10 tonne per annum graphene plant, supported by a recent capital raise. According to a statement from GMG, the board’s approval for the investment will support early works for the expected plant, to be built at the company’s existing gas-to-graphene production site at Richlands, Brisbane.
The early works expenditure was “largely included” in the proposed use of proceeds for the aforementioned financing. At the time it also said net proceeds would cover R&D on its Graphene Aluminium-Ion Battery, sales efforts, working capital, and preparations to list on “a major United States exchange”.
Sparc Technologies raises funds for commercialization of graphene coating
Sparc Technologies, which recently announced successful initial inspection results for its ecosparc-enhanced anti-corrosion coating in a field trial at Streaky Bay Jetty, South Australia, has announced firm commitments to raise AUD$2.2 million (around US$1,408,000) through a share placement, with a further share purchase plan expected to raise another AUD$500,000.
In a statement, Sparc said the placement was “strongly supported by existing and new investors”. The funding will support commercialization of the company’s ecosparc coating product, support for its Sparc Hydrogen joint venture, ongoing R&D and general working capital.
Sparc Technologies reports positive ecosparc field trial results
Sparc Technologies has announced successful initial inspection results for its ecosparc-enhanced anti-corrosion coating in a field trial at Streaky Bay Jetty, South Australia. According to the recent announcement, the graphene-based additive showed no signs of degradation or early failure mechanisms during the critical initial trial phase, matching the performance of the commercial benchmark coating it was compared against.
Trial inspection photos showing coatings performing well at the Streaky Bay Jetty, South Australia. Image credit: Sparc Technologies
The field trial, conducted with the South Australian Department for Infrastructure and Transport, applied both the ecosparc enhanced and unmodified coatings to equivalent steel piles in July 2024 under identical conditions.
Zentek completes testing of ZenARMOR™ Corrosion Prevention technology and enters collaboration with Jazeera Paints
Zentek has announced the completion of the Innovative Solutions Canada - Testing Stream contract for ZenARMOR™ nano-pigment in military grade, chromate-free corrosion protection aerospace paint systems, and a new collaboration with Jazeera Paints Company for continued product development and testing.
ZenARMOR™ was evaluated in commercial non-chromate aviation paint systems developed by PPG and Akzo Nobel. Three rounds of corrosion testing were completed from September 2023 to July 2024 and testing followed ASTM B117 (salt spray) and ASTM D5894 (cyclical corrosion) standards. The tests were reportedly successful in demonstrating the effectiveness of ZenARMOR™ nano-pigments in inhibiting corrosion of the aluminum alloy AA2024-T3.
HydroGraph’s graphene tested for use in coatings
HydroGraph Clean Power has announced new testing results demonstrating the performance benefits of its Fractal Graphene™ (FGA-1) as an additive in polyurethane (PU) coatings. Conducted at the Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) in Manchester, England, the study validates how HydroGraph’s graphene improves mechanical durability, UV resistance, and anti-corrosion properties – key factors in extending the lifespan of protective coatings used in harsh environments.
“By incorporating our Fractal Graphene™ into commercial coatings, we are enabling a step-change in performance,” said Kjirstin Breure, CEO, HydroGraph. “These results confirm that even at ultra-low dosages, our graphene improves coatings’ durability, reducing maintenance needs and offering a compelling value proposition for industries requiring long-lasting protection.”
Versarien expands agreement with Montana Química
Versarien has announced, further to the previously announced manufacturing license agreement, know-how license and technical assistance agreement entered into with Montana Química, that it has now signed a two-year supply agreement to provide some of the Company's proprietary graphene and related material dispersions and formulations (Graphinks™) to Montana (the "Supply Agreement").
Montana is a Brazilian headquartered multinational business focused on the production and sale of paints, wood preservatives and other wood finishing products including paints, stains and varnishes. Versarien understands it is Montana's intention to utilize the Company's Graphinks™ in application areas such as construction, composites, coatings and lubricants.
Sparc Technologies and Flinders University secure Australian government grant for graphene-enhanced aquaculture technology
Sparc Technologies and its partner Flinders University have been awarded funding under Australia’s Economic Accelerator (AEA) Ignite grant program. They will receive a grant of AU$353,098 (around US$220,800).
The 12-month project aims to accelerate development and validation of a graphene-enhanced material that can be utilized in aquaculture nets to mitigate biofouling and increase net strength and durability. This technology has the potential to result in a significant reduction in fish farm operational costs, environmental impact, biosecurity and fish health risks.
OSG to adopt graphene-based propeller coatings on seven tankers
Following good results from a vessel treated with GIT Coatings’ graphene-based propeller coating XGIT-PROP in 2023, Tampa, Fla.-headquartered Overseas Shipholding Group Inc. (OSG) is to adopt the solution on seven further crude oil tankers.
The first application saw performance gains and fuel savings proven beyond expectations which was further validated by a third party with the vessel being tracked along its trade route covering the Pacific Ocean. “At OSG, we believe sustainable technology such as XGIT-PROP provides an opportunity for us to enhance our performance while also being stewards of the ocean,” said Eric Schreiber, director of operational excellence at OSG. “From the initial application study, XGIT-PROP is a proven product which both benefits vessel efficiency while also providing environmentally friendly impacts, which we will also consider for our new LCO2 vessel designs by Aptamus Carbon Solutions, a new subsidiary of OSG.”
Sparc to trial graphene-based coating with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance at Goonyella Riverside Mine
Sparc Technologies has announced the execution of an agreement (Trial Agreement) with BHP Mitsubishi Alliance (BMA). The Trial Agreement details the terms and conditions under which Sparc and BMA will conduct a collaborative field trial involving testing of an ecosparc® enhanced coating in coal handling and processing plant (CHPP) infrastructure at the Goonyella Riverside Mine (GRM) in Queensland.
The Trial Agreement with BMA represents a continuation of Sparc’s strategy of working with asset owners across government, defense, mining and oil & gas to demonstrate the performance of ecosparc® enhanced coatings in relevant real-world environments. The temperature, moisture and conditions within the CHPP at GRM, located in Moranbah, Queensland are well suited for an effective field trial. The field trial will provide valuable performance data for potential customers, building on over 6 years of research and development and >10,000 data points from accelerated cyclic corrosion testing in the laboratory.
Graphene Manufacturing Group demonstrates improved heat sink performance with THERMAL-XR
In a recent PR, Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) shared that it continues to advance the commercialization of its THERMAL-XR coating system with the product being tested with companies in multiple industries, including on heat sinks for electronics.
Third-party modelling indicates that applying THERMAL-XR to heat sinks can reduce their size by up to 39% while maintaining the same thermal performance, the company highlighted. This reduction could lead to savings in weight and material costs. The technology also lowers the maximum temperature of heat sinks by 23%, improving their efficiency.
