HMG Paints Partners on Graphene Coatings
FRIDAY, JULY 14, 2017
A U.K. coatings company recently announced a new partnership with a graphene manufacturer for the development of graphene-based coatings.
HMG Paints Ltd.(Manchester)—in partnership with Applied Graphene Materials (Redcar, U.K.)—is working to progress the formulation and application of graphene in protective coatings for a range of industries.
The controlled environment testing stage has passed, and the results were positive, according to HMG. Now, testing is being done in a real-world environment, where there will be a focus on graphene-based coatings on construction equipment, as well as commercial vehicles.
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Originally discovered at the University of Manchester in 2004, graphene is comprised of a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms, which are arranged like a honeycomb lattice. |
“We’re delighted with how our initial testing has gone and have now progressed to life trials in the environments they’d ultimately be used in,” said Jonathan Falder, head technician of the HMG Graphene Project, in a statement. “We’ve found AGM’s Graphene dispersions to integrate well using conventional processes and seen some significant performance gains from our own testing of commercial products. We are moving onto full-scale trials and commercial launch as we believe that these benefits can add real value to our customers.”
How Graphene Works
Originally discovered at the University of Manchester in 2004, graphene is comprised of a two-dimensional layer of carbon atoms, which are arranged like a honeycomb lattice. This substance is unusual, given that it is only one atom thick, and is the strongest, thinnest and lightest material currently known. It is also one of the most efficient conductors of heat and electricity.
In terms of coatings, graphene can be incorporated to impart properties including oil, water and crack resistance. There is also the potential for the material to be used in conductive paints, and it can play a key part in scratch-resistant, anti-oxidant and anti-UVA coatings.
Graphene’s high adhesion also presents the potential for use in high-performance adhesives, and the material’s ability to absorb and transmit solar energy makes it an option for solar coatings.
Tagged categories: Coating Materials; Coating Materials; Coating types; Graphene; HMG Paints Ltd.; Specialty Coatings
