Graphene is a brand new material that has received a lot of attention in recent years and is considered to have promising applications due to its very special mechanical, electrical and optical properties. Graphene aqueous dispersions are a new form of graphene application, transforming graphene from its traditional paper or film form into an aqueous solution that is easy to carry, process and use.

There are many difficulties to overcome in the preparation and application of graphene aqueous dispersions. Firstly graphene itself is prone to agglomeration and build-up, resulting in larger particles, uneven dispersion and reduced performance. Secondly, the very poor surface chemical affinity of water for graphene, coupled with the extremely hydrophobic nature of the graphene surface itself, makes it difficult to disperse graphene in water.

The main methods currently used are to change the properties of the graphene surface by physical or chemical means to make it hydrophilic or better dispersed. The physical methods include ultrasonic dispersion, mechanical exfoliation and high energy ball milling, while the chemical methods include oxidation and reduction.

Graphene aqueous dispersions are used in a wide range of applications, for example in biomedicine, electronic devices and energy storage. In biomedicine, graphene aqueous dispersions can be used as drug carriers and imaging agents; in electronic devices, as high performance conductive materials; and in energy storage, for the preparation of high energy density energy storage materials.

Graphene aqueous dispersions are a new form of application for graphene, by changing the surface properties of graphene so that it can be uniformly dispersed in water, thus making it easy to carry, process and use. Its applications are very promising and are expected to play an important role in areas such as biomedicine, electronic devices and energy storage.

Graphene has been extensively researched and applied in various fields in recent years, especially in the coatings industry. As a new type of coating additive, graphene dispersions have excellent properties that can enhance the performance of coatings and extend their service life, as well as improve the processing efficiency and raw material utilisation of coatings. Therefore, the industrial application of graphene dispersions in the coating industry has attracted much attention.

So, what are the uses of water-based graphene dispersions in coatings?

I. Improve the transparency and uniformity of coatings

Graphene dispersions can reduce the aggregation of bubbles and pigment particles in the coating, thus improving the transparency and uniformity of the coating, making it brighter and more beautiful. In addition, graphene dispersion can also improve the coverage and coating uniformity of the coating, reduce the waste of paint, and improve the efficiency of painting and raw material utilisation.

II. Improving the physical properties of coatings

Water-based graphene dispersion has good electrical and thermal conductivity. Adding graphene dispersion to the coating can improve the electrical and thermal conductivity of the coating, thus improving the physical properties of the coating. For example, graphene dispersion can enhance the wear resistance and corrosion resistance of the coating, while improving the hardness and strength of the coating.

III. Improving the waterproof performance of coatings

Graphene dispersions can also form layers of covering films in coatings, thus forming a turbulent flow barrier layer and improving the waterproof performance of coatings. In addition, graphene dispersions can also form a hydrophobic film, increasing the hydrophobicity of the coating and improving the water resistance, corrosion resistance and long-term service life of the coating.

Overall, as a new type of coating additive, graphene aqueous dispersions have a wide range of application prospects and potential for use in the coatings industry. In the future, as technology progresses and application experience is accumulated, it is believed that graphene dispersions will be more widely used and promoted.