Applied Graphene Materials has launched a new performance data package demonstrating that its graphene nanoplatelet dispersions product range can achieve high levels of protection from harsh chemicals when used in coatings applications. This opens up a new market for AGM's products, where higher-performance graphene-enhanced paints and coatings can effectively protect a substrate against chemicals in highly aggressive environments. Chemical permeation is a major issue in the protective coatings market.

Prolonged contact, from full submersion, splashes, spills and fumes, with a range of chemical substances can lead to visual discolouration, gloss reduction, and blistering, all of which can have a negative impact on coating performance. As a result, coatings manufacturers strive to develop surface protection systems that can resist chemicals and protect the substrate from contamination. In comprehensive testing AGM has now demonstrated superior performance of its graphene nanoplatelet dispersions in a range of immersed chemical applications, from acid to alkali.

The highly effective graphene technology performs extremely well compared with conventional materials used in the industry at substantially lower loading levels, enabling the formulator to have far greater flexibility with their products and application scope. Protective coatings with comparable additives are used in a range of industries for applications such as chemical tank linings, linings of pipes for transporting chemicals, floor coatings in chemical environments and structural steelwork coatings. AGM also anticipates that the application could be suitable for composite materials often used in this space.