Zentek develops graphite gel-based fire-retardant product, enters Altek deal

Zentek (ZTEK) announces the development of a novel Graphite Gel-Based Fire-Retardant product that combines both rapid gelation and intumescent components to rapidly protect homes from wildfires. Altek Advanced Materials has been granted conditional, exclusive rights to commercialize the technology in the US, pursuant to a development and collaboration agreement between Zentek and Altek dated November 4. Altek will seek to commercialize the GBFR in the US under the trademarked name GraphGel. The new material combines gel properties that provides a strong thermal barrier against fires and expandable graphite as the active intumescent material to continue protection to surfaces even after the coating dries. The coating consists of bio-friendly materials that can be easily washed off after fire risk has passed. Zentek contracted Intertek to complete independent ASTM E84 testing to assess the fire protection of 1/4″ Oriented Strand Board sheets coated with GraphGel. The gel was applied at two different loadings: a Low loading of 0.3-0.4 cm and a High loading of 0.6-0.7 cm. The coated samples were dried and achieved Class A fire rating, the highest, with the Flame Spread Index of 25 for the low thickness and the high measured with an FSI of 5. The coating was designed by Zentek to be rapidly sprayed on structures at over 75 lpm so that average-sized houses can be coated in under 30 minutes. Altek sponsored a live demonstration of the coating in Santa Clarita, California, attended by representatives from California National Guard and local fire departments. The coating protected coated surfaces including shingles, glass, vegetation and siding when exposed to two minutes of fire engagement with temperatures reaching 1500 degrees C. The limit of two minutes of fire exposure was required by the Fire Marshall who was present. Surfaces not coated experienced significant fire damage and were engulfed in flames after two minutes. Altek has signed an agreement with Zentek Ltd. for a conditional exclusive licence to commercialize the product in the US which requires a minimum royalty payment to remain exclusive. Altek has also agreed to pay Zentek for personnel and development costs related to advancing the technology. Additionally, Altek has committed to assuming responsibility for all supplementary testing and chemical expenses directly associated with the product development process.