Applied Graphene Materials jumps on positive results from coatings trials

Shares in AIM-listed Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) jumped on Friday after the graphene products group reported positive results from independent coatings trials.The trials, undertaken by a "globally recognised independent coatings expert", tested the performance of graphene-reinforced polyurethane coatings using graphene produced by AGM.Polyurethane coatings are used in a wide range of industries including automotive, aircraft and general industrial coatings.While an extensive test programme is continuing, AGM said the initial results showed that low loading levels of its grapheme nanoplatelets "substantially enhance the scratch resistance and ultimate tensile strength of a polyurethane clearcoat, and critically with minimal impact on transparency or colour".The results open up the route to further development for commercial applications in numerous high-performance paints and coatings, it said.Chief executive Jon Mabbitt said he was "delighted" with the findings, which "indicate that these results can be translated to higher volume applications".He said AGM is "well placed to help our customers apply and exploit graphene in their end products and markets".AGM's stock was up 7.5% at 250p in early dealings.