Standards Related to Graphene Coatings (Domestic and International Overview)
As graphene coatings transition from laboratory research to industrial-scale production and commercialization, the need for clear, authoritative standards becomes increasingly critical. Standards ensure product quality, safety, interoperability, and market trust. This article provides a structured overview of domestic (China) and international (ASTM, ISO, etc.) standards related to graphene coatings, including both material-level and application-level guidelines.
🧪 1. Why Standards Matter for Graphene Coatings
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✅ Ensure product consistency and performance reproducibility
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✅ Enable regulatory approval and global trade
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✅ Guide formulation design, testing methods, and safety protocols
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✅ Support end-user adoption by providing clear technical benchmarks
🌍 2. International Standards for Graphene and Graphene Coatings
A. ISO (International Organization for Standardization)
The ISO/TS 80004-13:2017 defines key terminology for graphene. Several other ISO documents are relevant for graphene material characterization and indirectly for coatings.
| Standard | Title | Scope |
|---|---|---|
| ISO/TS 80004-13:2017 | Nanotechnologies — Vocabulary — Part 13: Graphene and related two-dimensional materials | Definitions of single-layer, few-layer, and multilayer graphene |
| ISO/TR 19733:2019 | Nanotechnologies — Matrix of properties and measurement techniques for graphene and related 2D materials | Measurement guidance (surface area, conductivity, thickness) |
| ISO/TS 21356 Series | Characterization of graphene-based materials | Focused on material properties: lateral size, number of layers, defects, etc. |
✅ While not specific to coatings, these standards are foundational for ensuring graphene raw materials are well-characterized before use in coating formulations.
B. ASTM International (USA)
ASTM has led efforts to create application-oriented standards for graphene products.
| Standard | Title | Relevance to Coatings |
|---|---|---|
| ASTM D7868-13 | Standard Test Method for Oxidation Stability of Inhibited Mineral Insulating Oils | Used to assess anti-oxidation behavior of coatings |
| ASTM E1655-20 | Standard Practices for Infrared Multivariate Quantitative Analysis | Applied in in-situ characterization of graphene-based coatings |
| ASTM WK60824 (Draft) | Specification for Graphene in Coatings | Under development — to define performance and formulation criteria |
| ASTM E2532 | Standard Guide for Fire Prevention for Photovoltaic Panels | Graphene coatings for PVs may reference this in safety contexts |
⚠️ ASTM WK60824 is especially notable — it seeks to standardize the formulation, performance testing, and durability of graphene coatings.
🇨🇳 3. Domestic Standards in China
China is actively developing graphene industry standards, led by groups such as the China Innovation Alliance of the Graphene Industry (CGIA) and SAC (Standardization Administration of China).
Key National and Group Standards:
| Standard Code | Title | Application |
|---|---|---|
| T/CSTM 00351—2021 | Graphene-Based Anti-Corrosion Coating | Performance requirements for coatings on metal substrates |
| T/CGIA 01002—2018 | Evaluation Method for Graphene Dispersion Stability | Ensures dispersion quality in water/oil-based coatings |
| T/CGIA 01004—2019 | Testing Methods for Electrical Conductivity of Graphene Coatings | Relevant for EMI, conductive paints |
| GB/T 30544.1-2014 | Nanomaterials — Terminology | Used for consistent graphene naming |
| GB/T 19250-2021 | General requirements for low VOC coatings | Graphene coatings used in architectural sectors often apply this |
🧪 T/CSTM 00351 is currently one of the most authoritative Chinese graphene coating standards, used by both producers and buyers.
🧩 4. Common Testing Parameters in Graphene Coating Standards
| Parameter | Standard Methods Used |
|---|---|
| Corrosion Resistance | ISO 12944, ASTM B117 (Salt Spray) |
| Conductivity | Four-Point Probe (ASTM D4496) |
| Dispersion Stability | T/CGIA 01002 |
| Mechanical Properties | ISO 527 (Tensile), ASTM D4060 (Abrasion) |
| UV Aging and Weatherability | ASTM G154, ISO 16474 |
| Adhesion Strength | ASTM D3359 (Cross-Cut), ISO 2409 |
🚀 5. Challenges & Opportunities
Challenges:
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Lack of unified global standards specific to graphene coatings
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Varying definitions and purity levels of graphene materials
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Difficulty in scaling reproducible testing across different countries
Opportunities:
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Growing consensus on ISO graphene characterization standards
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ASTM & Chinese alliances actively creating application-specific standards
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Standardization may help open markets in aerospace, medical, and defense sectors
✅ Conclusion
The evolution of standards for graphene coatings is a work in progress but is moving rapidly forward. With ISO and ASTM setting foundational definitions and test methods, and China issuing industry-specific performance standards, the stage is set for greater international harmonization. For companies looking to commercialize graphene-based paints, inks, or surface treatments, compliance with emerging standards will be critical to success.