Sparc Technologies has announced the launch of SparcES™, a new graphene additive range for electrostatic discharge (ESD) and conductive coatings, targeting applications used in data centres, semiconductor facilities and electric vehicle battery manufacturing plants.
According to Sparc, the SparcES™ range has been developed following approximately 24 months of electrical conductivity testing using various graphene sources and polymer resins. The company said the testing identified significant differences in the conductivity performance of graphene-enhanced coatings depending on material selection and dosage.
Sparc said it believes the new additives could provide an alternative to conventional conductive materials such as graphite, carbon black, carbon nanotubes and metal nanowires used in ESD and conductive coatings. The company stated that potential benefits include lower dosage rates, improved material handling, increased coating durability, higher opacity and reduced raw material costs.
The launch builds on Sparc’s existing graphene coatings portfolio, with the company planning to market SparcES™ through its established relationships in the coatings sector alongside its ecosparc® protective coatings additive. Sparc also confirmed that two customer product development programs using the new additives are currently underway.
Sparc Managing Director Nick O’Loughlin said demand for ESD and conductive coatings has increased alongside investment in manufacturing and digital infrastructure.
“ESD and conductive coatings are a major growth area within the coatings industry due to the rapid build out of data centres, semiconductor and EV battery manufacturing plants,” O’Loughlin said.
“Sparc has received multiple customer enquiries about this coatings segment over the past six to 12 months and our knowledge of graphene enhanced protective coatings has provided a seamless platform for product development.”
He said the public launch follows extensive internal testing and the commencement of customer-led development programs.
“We are very excited for Sparc to participate in a strongly growing US$1.65 billion coatings segment which is highly complementary to our work in protective coatings,” O’Loughlin said.
According to Sparc, ESD coatings are designed to control the build-up of electrical charge and safely dissipate static electricity, while conductive coatings provide a direct conductive path to earth for rapid discharge in high-risk environments. These coatings are used to help protect sensitive electronic equipment and flammable materials.
The company cited independent market analysis by Orr & Boss, which estimates the global ESD and conductive coatings market will be worth US$1.2 billion in 2026, with data centres and semiconductor manufacturing facilities accounting for around 75 per cent of demand.
According to Sparc, the market is forecast to grow to approximately US$1.65 billion by 2030, supported by continued investment in digital infrastructure, semiconductor manufacturing capacity and other industries including electric vehicle battery production, pharmaceuticals, chemicals, aerospace, healthcare and laboratory applications.
Sparc noted that while the market presents growth opportunities, there are barriers to accessing the target addressable market.
The content of this article is based on information supplied by Sparc Technologies Limited. For more information, please refer to the official company announcement and communications from Sparc. Please consult a licensed and/or registered professional in this area before making any decisions based on the content of this article.
