Sparc Technologies (ASX: SPN) has secured a letter of intent (LOI) with Canadian company HydroGraph Clean Power Inc to evaluate the incorporation of HydroGraph’s fractal graphene into Sparc’s flagship ecosparc additives for protective coatings.
The deal would provide a framework for the testing and use of graphene within ecosparc additives in water-based and solvent-based protective coatings, and see Sparc undertake ISO12944 cyclic corrosion testing over 4,200 hours within commercially available solvent-based coatings.
ISO12944 is widely recognised as the premier international standard for assessing the corrosion protection of steel structures by protective coating systems.
The LOI – which follows positive performance benefits derived from testing of the technology within commercial water-based coating systems – could lead to a definitive commercial supply and collaboration agreement within 12 months.
Protective Coatings ‘Supercharger’
ecosparc is a graphene-based additive which, when added in tiny amounts, can “supercharge” coatings currently used to protect steel assets from corrosion.
The technology can significantly improve the performance of commercially available epoxy-based protective coatings to ensure the reliability, longevity, safety, and cost-effectiveness of steel infrastructure.
Sparc has commissioned a manufacturing facility to produce ecosparc, and is engaging with global coatings companies and large asset owners on rigorous real-world testing, field trials, and commercial partnerships.
The company has also launched a campaign targeting government, defence, mining, and oil and gas assets in a diverse range of corrosive environments and applications.
ecosparc’s target addressable market sits within the US$33 billion protective and marine coatings industry estimated to be worth around US$1b per annum.
Graphene Performance Benefits
Sparc managing director Nick O’Loughlin said the global coatings market represented a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the performance benefits of adding graphene to ecosparc.
“This collaboration with HydroGraph provides us with access to a high-quality North American graphene supply partner as we continue advancing the commercialisation of ecosparc additives within the protective coatings industry,” he said.
“The encouraging results from water-based testing support further evaluation of the graphene within our more advanced solvent-based additives as we work to deliver improved corrosion protection and more sustainable coating solutions.”
"The global coatings market represents a perfect opportunity to demonstrate the performance benefit of adding graphene to established product formulations,” HydroGraph chief executive officer Kjirstin Breure added.
“Sparc is leading the way forward with its real-world applications of ecosparc enhanced coatings, demonstrating the significant ROI opportunity of graphene enhanced coatings for asset owners via extended time between corrosion related maintenance and the associated emission reductions.”
