Short Courses

Wednesday, September 3, 2025

Coatings Trends & Technologies Summit is expanding its offerings with four short courses.
These short courses will offer an extensive day of interactive learning.

Participants will learn:

• Definition, Surfactant Types and Structures
• The Influence of Atomic Bonds and Molecular Attractive Forces on Interfaces
• Surface Activity including Surface Tension/Pressure/Transport and Micelle Formation
• Foam Stabilization and De-Stabilization
• The Role of Surfactants in the Dispersion Process
• Surface Tension Measuring Methods
• Introduction/Definition of Rheology
• Essential Elements of Rheology
• Stress and Deformation Forces
• Viscosity and Flow Profiles
• Rheological Agent Types
• Rheological Agent Chemistry
• Measuring Methods
• Review

The course begins by examining the types and chemical structures of commercially available surfactants, followed by an exploration of how inter-atomic and inter-molecular forces influence surface tension. Participants will gain a deeper understanding of surface phenomena such as surface area, surface tension, surface pressure, wetting, surface transport, and micelle formation. The course also delves into foam stabilization and destabilization, explaining the role of surfactants in bubble dynamics, both at surfaces and with entrained air. Additionally, we will explore the role of surfactants in the dispersion process and methods for measuring surface tension under static and dynamic conditions.

The second part focuses on the principles of rheology, including its definition and the key factors that influence it, such as chemical structure, morphology, and environmental conditions. Topics include the effects of deformation forces—compression, tension, torque, and shear—and how these forces shape viscosity and flow behavior over time. Participants will review the chemistry and evolution of modern rheological agents and their applications across various formulation types, including waterborne, solventborne, aliphatic, aromatic, and polar systems

Sam Morell
President
SamMorell.com  

Read Bio

Participants will learn:

• Where powder coatings are used and their benefits vs. liquid coating technologies
• The components of a powder coating formulation, including binder selection
• How powder coatings are manufactured and applied
• Test methods for evaluation of coating performance

Binder technologies form the cornerstone of powder coating formulations, driving critical performance attributes such as UV durability, corrosion resistance, and aesthetic appeal. In this short course, we will examine the primary types of binder systems used in powder coatings, with in-depth discussions on resin and crosslinker selection, crosslinking mechanisms, and strategies to tailor formulations for specific performance requirements.

The course also features focused explorations of advanced topics, including matting techniques specific to binder type and approaches to formulating the low-temperature-cure powder coatings that are essential for heat- sensitive substrates, high-metal-mass parts, and energy efficiency.

Through detailed discussions, practical examples, and technical insights, participants will leave with the tools to confidently navigate the complexities of resin selection and formulation. Whether you’re a formulator, raw material supplier, applicator, or end user looking to deepen your understanding of powder coatings, this course provides a foundation for building expertise in the field

Nathan Biller
Vice President
ChemQuest Powder Coating Research  

Read Bio

Eric Casebolt
Vice President
The ChemQuest Group, Inc.

Read Bio

Participants will learn:

• Selection of rheological additives based on research in real-life formulations
• Differences between particular types of rheological additives
• Conducting formulating work and rheological measurements in the lab
• Using several rheological additives in formulations to ensure maximum workability of the paints
• The influence of rheological additives on other coating parameters (e.g. scrubbability, water sensitivity) and correct use before being introduced into the formulation

A practical guide to rheological additives in latex paints, including cellulose ethers, clays, HEUR, and HASE/ASE thickeners. Step-by-step discussion of the selection of rheological additives based on research procedures, taking into account obtaining initial viscosity, and stabilizing viscosity over time, including storage stability, tintability as tint viscosity stability, as well as viscosity in the entire area of shear forces (Brookfield, Stormer, ICI-CAP), with attention to secondary rheological properties such as brush/roller drag, spattering, sagging, leveling.

Read Bio

Participants will learn:

• How to select the appropriate resin for different applications
• Different curing mechanisms
• Identification and troubleshooting of common coatings defects

In this course we will cover strategies to maximize the performance of industrial coatings systems. We will highlight raw materials and how they affect the physical properties such as corrosion resistance, adhesion, the balance on hardness and flexibility… We will cover the main raw materials used in industrial coatings (resins/binders, pigments, solvents and additives) and formulation methods to achieve the optimum balance of properties. Also covered will be cure mechanisms and how to optimize resin choice.

Michael Praw
Senior Applications Scientist
Indorama Ventures

Read Bio