HydroGraph highlights Sparc Technologies' graphene-enhanced protective coatings

Sparc Technologies, an Australian company specializing in advanced materials, is advancing the use of graphene-enhanced solutions in the protective coatings market. Their ecosparc® additive platform incorporates carefully selected and dispersed graphene into anticorrosive coatings for steel infrastructure.

Sparc Technologies operates a dedicated paint and graphene formulation laboratory and a commercial manufacturing facility for ecosparc® additives, holding ISO certification from Lloyd’s Register. By early 2025, after five years of development, Sparc had validated several graphene grades for solvent-based protective coatings and was conducting tests with major global coatings companies.

The company’s strategic priorities include expanding its supply base with producers holding necessary regulatory approvals, such as EPA and REACH, and identifying high-performing graphene for water-based coatings. Sparc’s rigorous qualification process ensures only 3–5% of graphene grades pass screening, demonstrating corrosion performance, consistency, and stability in liquid media.

HydroGraph’s FGA-1 Fractal Graphene™ emerged as a top-performing material for Sparc’s water-based ecosparc® formulations. FGA-1’s performance, combined with HydroGraph’s regulatory approvals and environmentally friendly production, positions it as a strong candidate for Sparc’s graphene supply base.

The FGA-1 was incorporated into a commercial 2K water-based acrylic epoxy coating at low loading, delivered through the ecosparc® platform as a stable, ready-to-use additive. HydroGraph’s production process gives FGA-1 the lowest energy and carbon footprint of any commercial graphene method, aligning with the sustainability goals of coatings manufacturers.

Sparc Technologies addressed challenges in the coatings industry, such as inconsistent graphene performance and effective dispersion in water-based systems, through systematic screening and the ecosparc® platform. This approach enabled Sparc to build credibility and access within the global coatings industry, leading to collaborations with companies like AkzoNobel and Petro Vietnam Paint.

HydroGraph’s FGA-1 demonstrated consistent performance improvements under ISO 9227 Neutral Salt Spray conditions, outperforming unmodified reference coatings and other graphene grades. The results confirmed FGA-1 as a high-performing candidate for Sparc’s water-based formulations, supporting a broader strategic partnership.

The study highlights the potential of graphene in protective coatings, emphasizing the importance of delivering it in a form that works at scale. Sparc’s methodology provides a framework for identifying and qualifying graphene materials for specific coating applications.