Sparc Technologies has entered into a Letter of Intent (LOI) with HydroGraph Clean Power to evaluate the use of HydroGraph’s Fractal Graphene in Sparc’s ecosparc® additives for protective coatings.
The LOI follows successful testing undertaken by Sparc incorporating HydroGraph’s Fractal Graphene within commercial water-based coating systems, which demonstrated positive performance benefits. Following execution of the LOI, Sparc will undertake ISO 12944 cyclic corrosion testing (4,200 hours) within commercially available solvent-based coatings. ISO 12944 is widely recognized as the premier international standard for assessing the corrosion protection of steel structures by protective coating systems. Subject to successful testing outcomes, the parties intend to negotiate a definitive commercial supply and collaboration agreement relating to Sparc’s ecosparc® additives.
Sparc Managing Director, Mr Nick O’Loughlin, commented: “The collaboration with HydroGraph provides Sparc with access to a high-quality North American graphene supply partner as we continue advancing the commercialisation of ecosparc® additives within the protective coatings industry. The encouraging water-based results support further evaluation of HydroGraph’s graphene within our more advanced solvent-based additives as we work to deliver improved corrosion protection and more sustainable coating solutions."
HydroGraph President and Chief Executive Officer, Kjirstin Breure, commented: "The global coatings market represents a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the performance benefit of adding graphene to established product formulations. Sparc is leading the way forward with its real-world applications of ecosparc® enhanced coatings, demonstrating the significant ROI opportunity of graphene enhanced coatings for asset owners via extended time between corrosion related maintenance and the associated emission reductions.”
Sparc and HydroGraph have recently been collaborating on the laboratory testing of HydroGraph’s FGA-1 Fractal Graphene within Sparc’s ecosparc® additives. The LOI formalizes arrangements and responsibilities for upcoming testing in solvent-based coatings to be conducted in Sparc’s laboratories and contains provisions around use of data, intellectual property and confidentiality which are binding on both parties. During the term of the LOI and subject to testing performance, the parties agree to negotiate a definitive agreement in good faith which includes key provisions for graphene supply and product marketing for the commercialisation of ecosparc® additives incorporating HydroGraph’s graphene.
