The Graphene Engineering Innovation Centre (GEIC) supports companies in developing, testing and scaling advanced coating systems. Our facilities allow organisations to develop new coatings, optimise existing formulations and scale coating processes towards manufacturing.
We provide facilities for coatings formulation, coating application, performance testing and pilot-scale coating, helping companies move from laboratory development to manufacturing with reduced risk and improved confidence in scale-up.
The GEIC provides an environment that is closer to manufacturing than a traditional laboratory, allowing companies to develop and validate coating technologies under more realistic processing conditions.
We work with organisations ranging from SMEs to multinational companies across sectors including aerospace, automotive, construction, marine, defence, packaging and advanced manufacturing.
We support coating development across a wide range of chemistries including epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics and powder coating systems. Our facilities enable companies to formulate coatings, apply coatings using controlled processes, evaluate coating performance and scale coatings using pilot-scale coating equipment such as the Mathis coating line and roll-to-roll processing equipment.
Formulation and dispersion
The GEIC provides dedicated facilities for the development of new coatings and the optimisation of existing systems.
Companies can access laboratory space, fume cupboards and specialist mixing and dispersion equipment to formulate across a wide range of chemistries, including epoxies, polyurethanes, acrylics and powder coating systems.
Application, testing and characterisation
Once coatings have been formulated and applied, understanding their performance is essential.
The GEIC offers facilities for coating application and a range of testing capabilities to evaluate anti-corrosion behaviour, abrasion resistance, adhesion and UV stability, alongside advanced characterisation using microscopy, film thickness measurement, FTIR and SEM.
Pilot-scale processing
Scaling coatings from laboratory development to manufacturing remains one of the most significant industry challenges.
The GEIC specialises in pilot-scale processing, enabling companies to produce larger batches and validate how coatings behave in more realistic manufacturing environments. This reduces risk, improves confidence and allows processes to be optimised prior to full-scale production.
Graphene and advanced materials
In addition to traditional coatings development, the GEIC works extensively with graphene and other advanced 2D materials as performance-enhancing additives.
These materials offer the potential to improve corrosion resistance, mechanical strength, barrier properties and durability, while supporting more sustainable coating solutions. The GEIC supports companies in assessing suitability and optimising formulations for commercial use.
From innovation to commercialisation
As the coatings industry continues to evolve, the ability to develop, test and scale new technologies efficiently is becoming increasingly critical.
The GEIC provides a unique environment where companies can access expertise, facilities and collaborative opportunities to bring new coating solutions to market faster and with reduced risk.
Produce representative coated samples under controlled conditions for faster development and evaluation
Scale coatings and functional materials from laboratory samples to continuous coated materials and pilot manufacturing trials
Assess coating stability and durability under accelerated UV exposure conditions
Evaluate anti-corrosion behaviour, abrasion resistance and adhesion to understand real-world coating performance
"Our coatings facilities support companies developing advanced and graphene-enhanced coating systems. We provide support in formulation development, dispersion, coating performance testing and pilot-scale coating, helping organisations develop coatings that are ready for commercial production."
Dr Lisa ScullionApplication Manager
