A TECHNOLOGY firm behind a so-called wonder material has strengthened its position with a paint supplier deal.

Applied Graphene Materials (AGM) is working with James Briggs Limited on a joint development programme.

The business has developed a form of graphene it says can deliver a six-fold improvement in barrier and anti-corrosion properties, with James Briggs expected to use the product in primers to offer greater protection from weathering.

Based at the Wilton Centre, near Redcar, AGM makes powdered graphene, with the substance hailed by some experts as being capable of conducting electricity a million times better than copper, despite being as thin as human hair.

Bosses say they expect James Briggs to unveil a new range of primers, complete with graphene, early next year, adding they are also in talks to develop lubrication products, with graphene also known for reducing friction.

The arrangement comes after AGM, which already supports paint firm, Sherwin-Williams Protective and Marine Coatings, and corrosion management operation, TWI Limited, carried out tests on the ability of its graphene to help withstand weathering.

Officials say the findings, verified by independent testing consultancy, PRA, now allow the business to speed up joint developments across the paint and coatings sector, with James Briggs an example of what it can achieve.

Jon Mabbitt, chief executive, told The Northern Echo: “Some of the additives that have been historically used to help with barrier protection, such as chromate, are being actively removed.

“That is a stimulus that makes companies think about what they can use and opens doors for us.”

Tim Pugh, James Briggs’ chief executive, said the company was thrilled to be using graphene to improve its goods.

He added: “We are keen to become the first specialty chemicals and coatings company to take advantage of this exciting new technology.

“The detailed understanding AGM brings of how to get the most out of their material is impressive and we look forward to rapidly incorporating graphene into our own range of everyday products.”

Earlier this year, AGM revealed its pre-tax deficit had risen to £2.3m in the six months to January 31, with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization suffering a £2.1m reversal.

However, bosses said the shortfall was representative of the business’ expansion, as it increases staff levels to secure greater production orders.

They added strong demand, which saw the firm despatch more than 70 tests samples in the period, allied to existing deals, was creating a platform for long-term growth.

The company previously raised £11m from a flotation on the Alternative Investment Market and has worked with vacuum cleaner maker, Dyson, and Procter and Gamble, the company behind Head and Shoulders shampoo, on using graphene in goods.