Sparc Technologies has announced the launch of SparcES™, a new graphene additive range for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and conductive coatings, targeting applications used in data centers, semiconductor facilities and electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants.
According to Sparc, the SparcES™ range has been developed following approximately 24 months of electrical conductivity testing using various graphene sources and polymer resins. The company said the testing identified significant differences in the conductivity performance of graphene-enhanced coatings depending on material selection and dosage.
Sparc believes the new additives could provide an alternative to conventional conductive materials such as graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes and metal nanowires used in ESD and conductive coatings. The company stated that potential benefits include lower dosage rates, improved material handling, increased coating durability, higher opacity and reduced raw material costs.
The launch builds on Sparc’s existing graphene coatings portfolio, with the company planning to market SparcES™ through its established relationships in the coatings sector alongside its ecosparc® protective coatings additive. Sparc also confirmed that two customer product development programs using the new additives are currently underway.
Sparc Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin said demand for ESD and conductive coatings has increased alongside investment in manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
“ESD and conductive coatings are a major growth area within the coatings industry due to the rapid build out of data centres, semiconductor and EV battery manufacturing plants,” O’Loughlin said.
“Sparc has received multiple customer enquiries about this coatings segment over the past six to 12 months and our knowledge of graphene enhanced protective coatings has provided a seamless platform for product development.”
He said the public launch follows extensive internal testing and the commencement of customer-led development programs.
“We are very excited for Sparc to participate in a strongly growing US$1.65 billion coatings segment which is highly complementary to our work in protective coatings,” O’Loughlin said.
