Graphite coatings are gaining momentum as a modern paint protection technology. This innovation is widely utilized in multiple sectors including sensors, displays, coatings, metals, automobiles, and others. This carbon-based material is becoming popular in the automotive industry. Its versatility over ceramic coatings highlights its potential in multiple industries. Moreover, graphite’s properties like ease of application, anti-static character, unmatched durability, great flexibility, and high-water contact angle, make it a perfect option for coatings.
Graphite coating reduces heat on the paint’s surface to reduce water spotting. Hence, this technology is widely adopted in the automobile industry. As per the report by Allied Market Research, the graphite coatings market is predicted to register an impressive CAGR of 6.82% by 2027.
The exceptional versatility of graphite coatings
Graphite coatings are formulated to acquire properties including electrical conductivity, corrosion resistance, and lubrication into a sole solution. The rising need for more versatile and efficient coating alternatives that can meet application needs emphasizes this trend.
Furthermore, the aircraft and aviation industries are expanding rapidly in developed and emerging countries such as India, China, and the US. Metallic components of aircraft are coated with graphite to protect against paint damage. High-temperature graphite coatings are witnessing increased demand owing to their high electrical conductivity and thermal resistance. These properties are crucial for the development of fighter aircraft and jets.
How are graphite coatings transforming the electricity industry?
Graphite coatings provide multiple advantages such as enhanced resistance to friction, lowered friction, and improved conductivity. These coatings are utilized in electrical contacts to enhance their performance. Electrical current is conducted from one conductor to another. The combination of graphite coatings with electrical contacts helps increase the shelf life of the contacts, enhance conductivity, and lower wear and tear.
Heating elements are made up of nichrome and are susceptible to oxidation at high temperatures. Graphite coatings shield the heating element from oxidation and extend its life to enhance its performance. Conductive coatings improve the conductivity of materials like polymers, ceramics, and plastics. These coatings are further used as electrodes to conduct current in electrochemical cells, fuel cells, and batteries.
Antimicrobial implant graphite coating to prevent bacteria
Implanted medical devices have a risk of bacterial colonization, which leads to infections. Scientists have discovered advanced graphite nanoplatelet coating to resolve this issue. Researchers at Sweden’s Chalmers University of Technology designed a coating with graphite nanoplates and polythene base. The previous version of coatings was made of graphene. However, due to the high cost of graphene, scientists integrated graphite for effective cost savings.
Those nanoplates act as a shield and kill bacteria by cutting them. If a microbe comes in contact with the coating, the sharp points of the graphite flakes cut its outer wall and kill it. As a result, the multiplication of bacteria gets stopped to keep the surface sterile. These coatings are safe for human cells because they are 25 times bigger than a single microbe.
Forge Nano’s Atomic Layer Coatings
In March 2021, Forge Nano and Leading Edge Materials Corp. announced the development work on graphite anode material coating via its subsidiary Woxna. This coating was developed using Forge Nano’s exclusive Atomic Layer Deposition (“ALD”) technology.
Forge Nano’s proprietary ALD technology is used to apply atomic scale coatings to optimize anode materials’ performance. Forge Nano’s ALD coatings control the thickness of the coating at lower costs, nanoscale, and lowered carbon footprint for commercial-scale production.
Imerys Graphite & Carbon got ISO health & safety certification
Imerys Graphite & Carbon, located in Bironico, Switzerland, announced that it got ISO 45001 certification for its production plant in Bodio at the end of 2020. ISO 45001 describes the aspects necessary for the Occupational Health & Safety management system of the firm. It assists in its usage to allow organizations to deliver safe and healthy workplaces, by avoiding ill health and work-related injury. It also offers guidance regarding proactive improvement of the company’s Health and Safety performance.
Imerys Graphite & Carbon states that the certification displays a vital solution to detect, monitor and enhance safety measures to eliminate or reduce working hazards. There are two advantages of the ISO 45001 management system to companies. The initial benefit is updated security of supply. The second one is cost efficiency. Customers check for ISO-certified companies, as it represents compliance along with high Safety standards.
Graphite Innovations & Technology entered an alliance with Stolt Tankers in April 2023
Stolt Tankers entered a two-year alliance with Graphite Innovations & Technology to apply XGIT-PROP graphene-oriented marine coating of GIT to the 25 Stolt Tankers ships. XGIT-PROP is a graphene-based, eco-friendly coating that enhances propulsion efficiency and lowers marine growth. It also prevents hazardous biocides or toxins from being released into the sea. This application promotes Stolt Tankers’ decarbonization goals and strengthens the company’s sustainability profile.
Stolt Tankers tested the GIT graphene coating on the Stolt Acer in April 2022. The company experienced lower fuel consumption and noise emissions that reduced the impact on marine wildlife.
Final words
Graphite coating has multiple advantages including managing temperature, preventing corrosion, and many more. However, the high versatility of these coatings has highlighted their potential across the aviation, electricity, and automobile industries. Antimicrobial graphite coatings are also gaining popularity in the healthcare sector. Moreover, strategic alliances by leading entities and ongoing research in the graphite coatings industry are predicted to open new avenues of growth in the future.
Author Bio
Gayatri Mohite is an emerging author who loves to explore new things. An addiction to reading motivates her to write. With a background in biotechnology and a passion for clear, concise writing, she has written multiple articles and editorials that inform and engage readers across various industries. A fresher who is constantly upgrading her skills has embarked on a new journey to touch up her expertise even more.
