Graphene coating guide – all explained

What is graphene coating?

Graphene possesses a lot of extraordinary properties. It is a 2D layer of carbon atoms or graphite which are arranged in a honey comb pattern. It is just a one atom thick substance having astonishing traits and applications like coatings, paints and inks. In this case made into graphene coating.

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Why use graphene coating?

Some of its useful properties are;

• Excellent mechanical strength
• Thin and light weight material
• High electricity conductivity (mobilities> 200,000 cm2 /Vs)
• Hydrophobic in nature
• Tensile strength of ~1 TPa
• High thermal conductivity
• Corrosion & chemical resistance
• Durable coatings resistant to cracks, oil and water
• High adhesion properties

These properties make graphene an excellent choice to be used on industrial scale.

Application and use of graphene coating

Hydrophobic graphene coating

• ship hulls
• Glass surfaces
• Textiles
• Pan and pot liners
• Windows (ice protection for example)
• Mirrors
• Windshields

Conductive graphene coating

• Cell phones
• Computers
• Tablets
• Television screens etc.

General industry

From personal care to aerospace, graphene coating have potential application in almost every industry. Some examples include;

• Medical implants (protection against bacteria)
• Nano-electronic devices
• High-sensitivity gas sensors
• Flexible solar cells
• Super capacitors
• Molecular separation and many more

Example of a graphene coating type

Graphene, a key to corrosion resistance

Corrosion protection is an important issue especially in the aerospace industry. Graphene coating have attracted a lot of interest since they have the potential to provide corrosion resistance even if you apply these coatings in thickness of only a few nanometers. Moreover, its conductive properties are a plus in such applications. Graphene nanofillers are unique as they can improve the properties of other protective coatings even at low loadings. Those coatings which contain even a minor amount of graphene show improved resistance to corrosion.

Graphene coating, ideal for glass corrosion protection

To protect glass from corrosion, an ideal coating should be transparent, thin and should also provide satisfactory diffusion barrier to different chemical attacks. Graphene has proved to be impeccable with its thinness, good transparency and chemical inertness. When applied, it keeps helium atoms from passing through it. In addition to it, graphene coated glass shows no change in surface roughness and fracture strength if immersed in water for about 120 days. This has been experimentally proved as well.

Challenges with commercialization

Why haven’t graphene coating reached market world-wide? Its answer is simple. So far, a cost effective, practical and commercial scale method for graphene’s production has not yet been developed. Presently, graphene is being produced in small quantities at high prices i.e. $50 to $10,000 per gram. However, experts are trying to shift focus from application to commercialization of graphene. It is expected to see graphene coating in the market around late 2017 – 2018

Market availability and prices

Although you won’t easily find graphene coating in the market. However some suppliers are charging upto $350/gram. These coatings come in small bottles. Graphene powder is also available with some suppliers for which you are expected to pay up to $1000/Kg. The rates are subject to change and depend on the manufacturer & supplier.