Zentek Reports on Icephobic Testing

Rhea-AI Summary

Zentek Ltd. (TSX-V:ZEN, OTC:ZENYF) announced successful results from extensive testing of its icephobic coating technology. The testing, which included laboratory evaluations and real-world flight trials, showed that the coating significantly reduces ice adhesion, enhancing safety for aircraft and drones in adverse weather. The coating maintained its properties even after 1,000 hours of UV exposure, indicating durability. Future tests will explore its effectiveness against sand and rain erosion, aiming for commercialization in drone and wind turbine markets.

Positive

• Successful results from three rounds of icephobic coating testing.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in preventing ice adhesion on aircraft and drone propellers.
• Maintained icephobic properties after extensive UV weathering tests.
• Potential for commercialization in drone and wind turbine markets.

Negative

• None.

GUELPH, ON / ACCESSWIRE / March 14, 2022 / Zentek Ltd. ("Zentek" or the "Company") (TSX-V:ZEN and OTC:ZENYF), a Canadian IP (Intellectual Property) development and commercialization company, is pleased to report excellent results in three rounds of testing of its icephobic coating, including laboratory tests, real-world flights and applications related to drone operations in adverse weather. To support this effort, Zentek has undertaken UV weathering testing to assess the durability of these coatings with the view to demonstrate its practical application as an ice protection technology for drone and wind turbine markets.

"We would like to thank our research and development team for their outstanding work on developing what we believe is very promising icephobic technology. Zentek's icephobic coating can potentially be used to improve aircraft and drone safety and sustainability, helping to both grow and diversify the Company's future revenue potential," said Francis Dubé, Executive Chairman and Director at Zentek.

Real World Testing

Zentek has supplied samples of its icephobic coating on a test pieces that can be attached to a research aircraft and is currently undergoing flight trials that are targeting adverse weather environments. Video footage of the coating performance has shown positive results and demonstrated that, under significant icing conditions, these coatings provide an effective de-icing and anti-icing solution.

Drone Testing

Zentek coatings have demonstrated low ice adhesion properties in laboratory testing and therefore lend themselves to applications where external forces can be used to remove ice contamination from a surface. To test this, Zentek icephobic coatings have been applied to propellers that are typically used for drone applications. The propellers coated with Zentek's icephobic material have demonstrated that higher thrust can be maintained when compared to a non-coated propeller due to the ability to shed ice that forms on the blades that would otherwise degrade the aerodynamic properties.

Zentek management believes this demonstrates proof of concept that drones can extend their operational temperature range, a critical feature in freezing climates, by using Zentek's icephobic coating on propellers.

Accelerated Ageing Testing

Zentek provided coated samples to be exposed to UV weathering for 1,000 hours which approximates two years' worth of sun damage in typical Canadian weather. These samples were then tested in an icing wind tunnel under dynamic conditions and demonstrated significant retention of their icephobicity. This successful accelerated ageing test suggests good durability under normal environmental conditions, an important step as the Company begins to seek to commercialize this technology.

Next Steps

Zentek will now test its coating for sand and rain erosion, another important measurement that will demonstrate its use as a practical application. In addition, other tests are being planned that will evaluate the coating as part of a hybrid ice protection system, where the icephobic properties are combined with a heated de-icing system with the aim to improve efficiency of current ice protection methods used in general and commercial aviation. These tests are already scheduled, and the Company will report results as soon as they are available.

"Positive results from our ongoing icephobic testing, in laboratory as well as real-world conditions, clearly demonstrate the significant potential for graphene and other nanomaterials in advanced materials development and commercialization. More specifically, we believe our icephobic coating can be used to enhance safety and efficiency in many ways, creating several potentially new opportunities for our company and shareholders," added Dubé.

About Zentek Ltd.

Zentek is an IP development and commercialization company focused on next-gen healthcare solutions in the areas of prevention, detection and treatment. Zentek is currently focused on commercializing ZenGUARD™, a patent-pending coating shown to have 99% antimicrobial activity, including against COVID-19, and the potential to use similar compounds as products against infectious diseases. The Company also has an exclusive agreement to be the global exclusive commercializing partner for a newly developed aptamer-based rapid pathogen detection technology.

For further information:

Matt Blazei
Tel: (212) 655-0924
Email: mattb@coreir.com

To find out more about Zentek Ltd., please visit our website at www.Zentek.com. A copy of this news release and all material documents in respect of the Company may be obtained on ZEN's SEDAR profile at http://www.sedar.com/.

Forward-Looking Statements

This news release contains forward-looking statements. Since forward-looking statements address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Although Zentek believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information, which only applies as of the date of this news release, and no assurance can be given that such events will occur in the disclosed time frames or at all. Zentek disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, other than as required by law.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

SOURCE: Zentek Ltd.

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FAQ

What is Zentek's icephobic coating technology?

Zentek's icephobic coating technology is designed to reduce ice adhesion on aircraft and drones, improving safety and operational efficiency in adverse weather conditions.

When were the results of the icephobic coating tested?

The testing results were reported on March 14, 2022.

What were the key findings from Zentek's icephobic coating tests?

The key findings include significant reduction in ice adhesion, durability of the coating after UV exposure, and positive results from real-world flight trials.

What future tests are planned for Zentek's icephobic coating?

Zentek plans to test the coating for sand and rain erosion, and evaluate it as part of a hybrid ice protection system combined with heated de-icing methods.

How can Zentek's icephobic coating impact the drone market?

Zentek's icephobic coating can extend the operational temperature range of drones, making them more effective in freezing climates.