Pluto Conductive
| Reference number | |
| Coordinator | Provexa Technology AB |
| Funding from Vinnova | SEK 2 820 000 |
| Project duration | May 2020 - November 2023 |
| Status | Completed |
| Venture | Strategic innovation program SIO Grafen |
Important results from the project
We have studied the addition of graphene derivatives to electrophoretic coatings for corrosion protection. The goal was to add functional properties, but it proved difficult to achieve the desired conductivity without compromising film quality. The focus of the project has been application evaluation, but it has been more challenging than expected to work with the complex coating system. Despite this, the results have been promising regarding EMC, and collaboration with graphene suppliers and RISE continues to improve stability and component distribution in the emulsion.
Expected long term effects
Higher additions of graphene derivatives gave better functional properties, but at the expense of film quality. The project has contributed to increasing knowledge of how 2D materials can be used in electrophoretic coatings, and an established screening process for various properties of the samples has been developed. Work remains to optimize the mixing of graphene derivatives and other components in the coating system. The project has made progress, but it has not been possible to achieve the properties required for commercialization. However, we know how to move forward.
Approach and implementation
Initially, the focus was on quickly producing different graphene composite films and during most of the project evaluating them together with our project partners regarding electrical and corrosion properties in real applications. Many graphene variants were screened, but sufficient conductivity was not achieved. The project therefore changed character and we established a new test procedure to instead focus on EMI-inhibiting properties. The tasks of the project parties therefore became different from the original plan.