Graphene’s myriad of exceptional qualities can open the door to many interesting types of paints and coatings. Graphene’s high resistivity can make for durable coatings that do not crack and are resistant to water and oil, its excellent electrical and thermal conductivity can be used to make various conductive paints, and a strong barrier effect can contribute to extraordinary anti-oxidant, scratch-resistant and anti-UVA paints.
Graphene enables a wide array of functional paints, for many possible applications. Among these can be high performance adhesives enabled by graphene’s high adhesion property, anti-bacterial coatings, solar paints (capable of absorbing solar energy and transmitting it), paints that provide isolation for houses, anti-rust coatings, anti-fog paints and UV ray blockers, non-stick coatings for various domestic applications (like frying pans and countertops) and even a much-hyped possibility (currently under scientific examination) of a coating that turns a regular wall into a screen.
Graphene added to the manufacture of paints, coatings, and other building materials enhances the hardness, durability, compression, and tensile strength, to name a few. It also reduces the weight of materials, while being 200 times stronger than steel.
The addition of graphene also increases the coverage of the paint. With one litre, you can paint two 8m2 coats of paint, according to the press release, which reduces the amount of labour and paint needed.
As graphene is a conductive material (1000 times more so than copper), the paint improves the thermal regulation of buildings, saving energy by requiring less heating and air conditioning.