As world populations seek increased protection from airborne infections, advanced materials company First Graphene (ASX: FGR) has completed initial testing of their graphene as coating into protective equipment with excellent results. 

The testing was done in collaboration with planarTECH and their personal protective equipment (PPE) which confirmed anti-static and bacteria-resistant properties. With these results, planarTECH has entered into a 2-year supply contract to use  PureGRAPH® in their 2AM brand face masks. 

“planarTECH have moved very quickly to test and commercialise their new range of graphene face masks and we are pleased to support the growth of this product. Further opportunities exist in the development of planarTECH’s other PPE equipment,” said First Graphene CEO, Craig McGuckin. 

Having secured the supply agreement, planarTech will commence large-scale production of their protective face marks which will be coated with PureGRAPH®10.

Under terms of the agreement, First Graphene will supply one tonne of PureGRAPH®10 through each year of the agreement. 

“We have experienced substantial, rapid and qualified enquiries for the graphene mask,” said planarTECH Chairman, Ray Gibbs.  

“The 35 or so we are pursuing all require a fast turnaround of 2-3 weeks where potential orders could be very significant. This increasing demand has meant we needed to secure a robust graphene supply to ensure we met the known market demand.”

Produced out of First Graphene’s West Australian manufacturing facility, graphene powders are high-performance additives which are engineered byproducts of graphite which boast its strongest properties – strength, conductivity and lubrication – but as a significantly thinner single-layer material. 

Upon news of the supply agreement, FGR shares rose to a high of $0.15 in the first 30 minutes of morning trade, a 15% rise on their previous day close of $0.13.