The faculty-student research team at Eastern Michigan University’s Coatings Research Institute in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology has been awarded the Special University Award for their contributions to the advancement of novel and sustainable UV-curable coatings by RadTech International North America.

Vijay Mannari, professor and director of Eastern’s Coatings Research Institute, and Neda Hayeri, a Ph.D. student at Eastern, received the award at the Big Ideas for UV+EB Conference in San Diego, California, held in March 2023. 

“Receiving this award means a lot to me, as it recognizes the outstanding contribution of the EMU faculty-student team. Aside from the award, this marks our innovation capabilities in 3D printing materials, a rapidly emerging advanced materials space,” Mannari said. 

The new generation of ultraviolet-cure coatings and films invented by Mannari’s research group has the potential for automotive, anti-corrosive, and many other industrial applications. EMU has also recently patented this technology (US Patent – 11,414,524, Aug 16, 2022 ), and Mannari's research group is currently working on its application as advanced material for 3D printing, also known as additive manufacturing. 

“This is another example of academic excellence in the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology. Dr. Mannari is a global lead researcher in polymers and coating and continues to bring innovation and discoveries in this important field,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the GameAbove College of Engineering and Technology.

RadTech International North America is a nonprofit trade association with more than 500 members worldwide, dedicated to advancing ultraviolet and electron beam (UV+EB) curing technologies. RadTech's mission is to promote the safe use and development of UV+EB processes, offering energy savings, eliminating pollution, greater productivity, higher yields, and the opportunity to enable improved, new or unique products.

For more information about the Coatings Research Institute and its research, visit the Coatings Research Institute website.