Lately, when talking about materials, the subject graphene tends to come up a lot. And with reason, as this relatively new material has many great qualities: it’s ultrathin, lightweight, conductive, flexible, thermal, and it’s the strongest known material. The Graphene Company, located in the UK, has started selling Graphenstone, a range of sustainable lime-based paints and materials that include graphene.

Graphene in paints, coatings, and other building materials enhances the hardness, durability, compression, and tensile strength, to name a few. It also reduces the weight of materials, while being 200 times stronger than steel.

The addition of graphene also increases the coverage of the paint. With one litre, you can paint two 8m2 coats of paint, according to the press release, which reduces the amount of labour and paint needed.

As graphene is a conductive material (1000 times more so than copper), the paint improves the thermal regulation of buildings, saving energy by requiring less heating and air conditioning.

Aside from the advantages from graphene, the Graphenstone materials are made from natural lime. The porous nature of the coatings ensures that walls can still breathe, improving air quality, and preventing moisture collection and condensation. The high alkaline pH of lime as well as its ventilating properties prevents the growth of microorganisms, bacteria and fungi.

The materials are free from VOCs, formaldehyde, heavy metals, and other toxic and harmful substances.

In 2015, Graphenstone won the “Innovation and sustainability” award at the Beyond Building Barcelona – Construmat Fair from Fira de Barcelona. In addition, it meets the Cradle to Cradle Gold Standard.

Photos: The Graphene Company