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Why Do We Need Graphene Coating for Electrical Metal Contacts

Coatings play a crucial role in protecting against sunlight, corrosion, erosion, fouling, etc. Different coating materials are available at the commercial level in the market. These coating materials have different quantities of resins and additives for better protection.

Since its discovery in 2004, graphene coating has sparked a revolution in the world of electrical metal contact protection. This nanotechnological additive, with its unique properties, is very popular now.

Its unique properties, like mechanical strength and exceptional thermal and electrical conductivity, make it ideal for use in different industries. The following content will help you learn more about graphene and its unrivaled benefits over traditional coating materials for electrical metal contacts.

What is Graphene?

Graphene is extracted from graphite and made up of carbon. It is also known as the allotrope of carbon. Graphene has a unique structure in the form of two-dimensional sheets. Carbon atoms are hexagonally tightly packed in a honeycomb lattice.

It has a thickness of one carbon atom. It is also a building block of other carbon-based materials. It strongly absorbs the light of every wavelength, and its color appears black. A single carbon atom layer appears transparent due to its lower thickness. Graphene coating has applications in various industries, from the electronic industry to automobiles and from construction to healthcare.

Unique Properties of Graphene

Graphene’s unique properties make it an ideal coating material:

  • Graphene is known for its excellent electrical conductivity. It surpasses copper for efficient current flow with minimal energy loss.
  • It is sturdy, robust, and strong despite its thinness. It is 200 times stronger than steel and withstands stress and pressure.
  • Graphene is transparent and absorbs very little light (in a single layer), so it is ideal for flexible screens.
  • It shows superior thermal conductivity and facilitates heat dissipation.
  • Graphene shows remarkable elasticity and flexibility, which is why it is ideal for different coating applications.

In short, graphene is harder than diamond but more elastic than rubber. It is more robust than steel yet lighter than aluminum. Overall, it is the superstar of all coating materials.

Comparison with Other Materials

When compared to materials like silicones, copper, silver, and polymers, graphene excels:

  • Lightweight: Compared to metal coatings like gold, silver, and copper, graphene is lighter and offers a smoother surface finish.
  • Corrosion Resistance: Unlike metals, which can corrode or oxidize, graphene’s chemical stability provides better protection, ideal for metal contact coating.
  • High Surface Area: Graphene offers a high surface area, enhancing its effectiveness.
  • Compatibility: Its carbon-based composition makes it a viable additive for organic polymeric coatings.

Advantages of Graphene Coating for Metal Contacts

Graphene coating offers numerous advantages over traditional coatings:

1. Enhanced Electrical Conductivity

Graphene coating has a unique structure, that’s why electrons move easily with minimum resistance. That’s why it has better conductivity an s compared to traditional metals like copper and silver.

Coating electrical systems and their contacts with graphene significantly reduce energy loss and improves efficiency. It helps maintain consistent and reliable electrical connections.

2. Improved Mechanical Strength

Graphene coating offers great mechanical strength so it enhances the durability of metal contacts. Its mechanical strength makes it ideal to withstand physical stresses and strains. As a result, you can expect an extended lifespan of the metal contacts.

It is two hundred times more robust than steel, so it provides excellent resistance against all kinds of wear and tear. So, it reduces the frequency of replacement and repair.

3. Corrosion Resistance

Graphene coating provides excellent erosion and corrosion resistance against environmental factors. It acts as a barrier against moisture and water. It has a honeycomb-like hexagonal structure, so water slides off easier on the surface. That’s why metal contacts and machinery can remain functional over extended periods without

Other coating materials can sustain erosion and corrosion for the longest time. Graphene coating provides protection against corrosion and erosion for an extended time. This leads to an extension of the service life of metal contacts. It also saves repair and replacement costs.

4. Thermal Management

Graphene’s high thermal conductivity and effective heat dissipation prevent overheating. Accumulation of excessive heat prevention from overheating is the golden rule for the optimal functioning of machinery, devices, or contacts. It is only possible when heat dissipation is effective. If there is overheating and no high-temperature stability, then the electrical system can compromise its efficiency.

5. Reduced Friction

Graphene is ideal as a coating material due to its lower friction coefficient. It provides a smooth surface for metal contacts. So, there is less friction among metal contacts and less damage. Friction is the major cause of damage and frequent repairs.

Many other coating materials come with superconductivity but do not offer low friction and a smooth finish. As a result, your metal contacts compromise their functionality and longevity. It offers smooth operation and reduced depreciation due to a lower friction coefficient. It enhances the reliability and longevity of the metal contacts, ensuring consistent performance over time.

CHINT’s Breakthrough in Graphene Coating Technology

CHINT has made significant breakthroughs in graphene coating technology. Here’s a summary of their advancements:

  • Partnership: In 2015, CHINT partnered with the Shanghai Institute of Microsystem and Information Technology (SIMIT) of the Chinese Academy of Sciences.
  • Focus Areas: The joint laboratory focuses on graphene alloy contact materials, super copper, and advanced graphene electroplating technologies.
  • Innovations: After four years of innovation, Wenzhou Taiyu New Material Technology Co., Ltd. (a subsidiary of CHINT) developed proprietary graphene electroplating processes, including:
    • Silver-graphene composite electroplating
    • Nickel-graphene composite electroplating
    • Copper-graphene composite electroplating
    • Silver/nickel-graphene composite electroplating
    • Copper/tin-graphene composite electroplating

Testing Equipment

  • Quality Management System: Wenzhou Taiyu New Material Technology Co., Ltd. has established a comprehensive quality management system for end-to-end quality control.
  • High-end Testing Equipment: The surface treatment laboratory is equipped with over 30 sets of advanced testing equipment, including:
    • Raman spectrometers
    • Scanning electron microscopes
    • Specific surface area analyzers
    • Atomic force microscopes
    • Chemical vapor deposition (CVD) equipment
    • Transmission electron microscopes
  • Comprehensive Testing: This array of equipment supports comprehensive testing of all electroplating products, providing robust technical support for research and experiments.

These advancements underscore CHINT’s leadership in the development and application of cutting-edge graphene coating technologies.

Conclusion

As graphene coatings continue to be researched globally, their unique properties are being further explored. With over 10,000 research papers published each year, the potential of graphene is undeniable. With significant advantages for metal contacts, graphene boasts superior properties such as better heat and electric conductivity, less wear and tear, and sturdiness. These practical benefits enhance performance and durability, making graphene the ideal choice for modern coating solutions in electrical metal contacts.