Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) – THERMAL-XR® Graphene HVAC-R Performance Coating

Graphene Manufacturing Group (GMG) is an Australian company specialising in graphene-enhanced thermal and corrosion-protection solutions for the HVAC-R industry. Their flagship product, THERMAL-XR®, is a direct-to-metal, heat-conductive coating system engineered to restore, enhance and protect air-cooled heat-exchange surfaces used in commercial and industrial HVAC-R equipment.

For consulting engineers, mechanical contractors and facilities managers, THERMAL-XR® provides a technically credible, field-applied upgrade for energy performance, corrosion mitigation, coil protection, and long-term asset lifecycle extension across a wide range of applications.

GMG / THERMAL-XR® Overview: https://graphenemg.com/graphene-products/thermal-xr/

How THERMAL-XR® Works – Graphene-Enhanced Heat-Transfer Coating

THERMAL-XR® is built on a high-conductivity graphene nanoplatelet network suspended in a protective acrylic resin system. When applied to HVAC-R coils and finned heat exchangers, it forms a thin, uniform layer that:

• Rebuilds thermal conductivity lost through corrosion and fin degradation
• Improves uniform heat-spreading across fin surfaces
• Restores airflow and reduces thermal resistance from fouling
• Protects coils from ongoing corrosion and environmental attack

Unlike traditional anti-corrosion coatings, THERMAL-XR® is engineered to increase thermal performance, not insulate the substrate.

Technical Background:https://graphenemg.com/graphene-products/thermal-xr/

Hydrophobic Behaviour & Corrosion Protection

Corrosion, moisture retention, salt-fog  and environmental contaminants are leading causes of coil deterioration, reduced airflow and energy loss in HVAC-R systems. THERMAL-XR® introduces a hydrophobic, anti-corrosive, graphene-reinforced protective layer that:

• Reduces moisture retention on fin surfaces
• Limits ongoing oxidation and galvanic corrosion
• Prevents fouling adhesion
• Helps coils dry faster after
• reduces microbial and mould growth risk

This protection is especially relevant for coastal facilities and other environments exposed to harsh weather. For FM teams, this directly contributes to longer coil life, reduced replacement frequency, and stabilised system performance.

Energy Efficiency & Heat-Exchange Performance

THERMAL-XR® supports measurable energy reductions by: improving heat-transfer across coated coils, reducing compressor workload and runtime, stabilising condensing pressure, lowering discharge temperatures, increasing thermal headroom during summer peaks. This positions the coating as a complementary measure for NABERS improvement strategies, energy-retrofit projects, aging equipment optimisation and capital-deferral programs. By improving heat rejection at the condenser coils and evaporator surfaces, THERMAL-XR® helps stabilise refrigerant pressures in R410A, R32 and legacy R134a systems, reducing compressor lift and discharge temperature, and these gains can contribute directly to better energy efficiency (helping NABERS rating outcomes) on HVAC-intensive sites.

Real-world performance depends on baseline condition, fouling level, airflow, and control logic, but the mechanism — reduced thermal resistance and improved heat-exchange efficiency — is mechanically sound and measurable (see test data below).

Ideal Use Cases for Engineers, Contractors & FM Teams

THERMAL-XR® is relevant when: coils are ( or have potential to become) corroded or losing performance; capacity is derating at high ambient temperatures; replacement is costly or constrained; sites need energy savings without major capital works; assets operate in corrosive or coastal environments; FM teams need to extend remaining useful life (RUL) of equipment. It becomes a robust engineering option for rooftop package units, split system condensers, VRF outdoor units, cold-room and supermarket plant, industrial condensers, data centre DX plant, process cooling.

Training, QA & Implementation – GMG SPRAY ACADEMY

GMG supports contractors through the THERMAL-XR® Academy, providing structured training and certification for applicators. Training includes cleaning & substrate preparation, correct spraying methodology, QA processes and inspection, application verification, and supporting documentation. This gives projects consistent installation quality, documented QA procedures, manufacturer-aligned application methods and access to extended warranties.

GMG SPRAY ACADEMY: https://graphenemg.com/graphene-products/thermal-xr/become-thermal-xr-applicator-or-distributor/

 

Industry Recognition, Distribution Partners & Independent Validation

THERMAL-XR® has gained strong traction across the Australian HVAC-R industry, supported by independent testing, OEM distribution networks and formal industry awards.

AIRAH Awards – Product of the Year 2024

THERMAL-XR® was recognised as Product of the Year by AIRAH, signalling broad industry acceptance for its graphene-based enhancement in HVAC-R performance.
https://ihub.org.au/wp-content/uploads/Report_LLHC4_Technology-Evaluation-GMG-Thermal-XR-Coating-V2.pdf

 

ARBS 2024 – Product Excellence (HVAC) Award

At ARBS 2024, THERMAL-XR® won the Product Excellence – HVAC Award, with the judges citing its ability to restore eroded thermal conductivity and improve energy performance of ageing coils.
https://beda.brisbane.qld.au/news-and-events/the-brisbane-company-unlocking-the-power-of-graphene

Beijer Ref / Kirby – National Distribution of THERMAL-XR® ENHANCE

Beijer Ref Australia announced that THERMAL-XR® ENHANCE will be offered as an optional factory-applied coating and via its national wholesale network. External HVAC industry coverage noted improved cooling efficiency, reduced power consumption and enhanced corrosion protection when applied to evaporator coils.

Media Credit Climate Control News: https://www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/refrigeration/gmg-partners-with-beijer-ref

SuperCool Group – SuperTest Independent Laboratory Results

Independent laboratory testing performed by SuperTest (SuperCool) reported a 15.9% reduction in energy consumption in a pull-down test and 4.7% reduction over 48 hours in a continuous run.
https://www.supercool.com.au/gmg-graphene-energy-efficiency-testing/

Corrosion & Heat Transfer Test Data – 15,000 hours Salt Spray (ASTM B117)

GMG’s test work on THERMAL-XR® shows it passed 15,000 hours of salt-sea spray corrosion testing (ASTM B117), establishing one of the most durable coatings in the market. University of Queensland verified modelling of heat-transfer, showing ~8.6× radiative heat-transfer improvement versus bare aluminium.

https://www.proactiveinvestors.com/companies/news/1058983/graphene-manufacturing-group-says-testing-shows-thermal-xr-coating-outperforms-bare-aluminium-1058983.html

 

Media Coverage – CCN 

Coverage from Climate Control News (CCN) highlighted THERMAL-XR®’s graphene-based thermal improvement and distribution expansion.
Media Credit CCN: https://www.climatecontrolnews.com.au/refrigeration/gmg-partners-with-beijer-ref

Why Engineers, Contractors & FM Teams Specify THERMAL-XR®

Consulting Engineers

• Restores lost performance in ageing coils
• Improves heat rejection & energy efficiency
• Reduces compressor strain & runtime
• Provides long-term corrosion protection
• Extends asset life and defers capital expenditure
• Ideal for corrosive or coastal environments
• Supports energy and sustainability objectives
• Backed by formal training, QA and product support

Mechanical Contractors

• Fast, low-impact installation
• Applicable to existing plant under budget/tenant constraints
• Improves system headroom in high-ambient conditions
• Reduces operational strain and potential downtime

Facilities Managers

• Extends asset useful life (RUL)
• Reduces compressor runtime and energy costs
• Stabilises system performance
• Ideal for high-risk environments (coastal, industrial, food-processing)

THERMAL-XR® is a precision-engineered, graphene-enhanced coating designed for the mechanical services industry — combining heat-transfer performance improvements with protective durability across large commercial HVAC-R portfolios.