Sparc and Levidian partner on UAE graphene‍-‍based coatings manufacturing

Australian company Sparc Technologies has announced the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with UK-based Levidian Nanosystems under which the companies will collaborate on the development, production and commercialisation of Sparcs’ ecosparc corrosion protection additive containing Levidian graphene for enhanced protective or industrial coatings used within the Middle East region.

The collaboration will focus on developing and commercialising ecosparc-enhanced coatings incorporating Levidian’s graphene for protective and industrial coating applications in the GCC region. Sparc will develop ecosparc formulations, conduct testing in its ISO-accredited laboratories, and work with coatings manufacturers and end users to progress qualification testing, field trials and product specification. Levidian will supply graphene for formulation development, provide technical support and facilitate access to major regional end users, including large infrastructure owners and national oil operators. The parties will assess the feasibility of local manufacturing of ecosparc additives in the UAE within 24 months, subject to an agreed business case.

“Sparc is very pleased to be deepening our collaboration with Levidian to market and potentially produce ecosparc in the Middle East,” said Sparc Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin. “Levidian is a clear leader in the production of high-quality graphene materials and has strong relationships in the GCC region. Sparc is excited by the potential to establish this partnership as a means to accelerate the commercial adoption of its market-leading additive ecosparc platform in the Middle East which is a significant market for protective coatings.”

“This partnership is another important step in Levidian’s strategy to accelerate the commercial adoption of graphene-based advanced materials. Sparc has developed an exciting product in ecosparc, and by combining their coatings expertise with our high-quality graphene, technical capabilities and established relationships in the Middle East, we see a real opportunity to bring enhanced protective coatings into wider industrial use,” said Levidian CEO Alex Holden. “The Middle East is an important market for us, with major infrastructure owners and industrial operators increasingly looking for materials that improve performance and extend asset life. We're particularly excited by the potential to build a regional value chain, from graphene production through to formulated products and, ultimately, local manufacturing.”

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