FSCT short courses
FSCT short courses help attendees ‘think outside the box’
By Kerry Pianoforte • Associate Editor
FSCT offered a number of one- and two-day short courses prior to ICE. Two-day short courses began on Monday, October 1. The first course was “Pigment Science and Applications,” which investigated the science of pigments and their use in coatings and inks. Color pigments and effect pigments such as aluminum and mica flakes were discussed along with the challenges and demand of new color and appearance trends.
“Fundamentals of Polymer Technology” reviewed basic polymer chemistry and then moved through descriptive segments on all of the major resin chemistries utilized in coatings. Over the two-day course, industry experts reviewed the synthesis and key application aspects of resins and crosslinkers used as binders for coatings.
“Guidelines for Coating Formulations” provided attendees a fundamental overview of the major facets of coatings formulations to new and experienced coatings formulators. Industry and academic experts offered their insight to help participants understand the role of the components, as well as the interactions between the components and methods to enhance coatings performance.
“Emulsion Polymerization and Waterborne Coatings” discussed the fundamentals of emulsion polymerization and focused on water-based coating technology, covering raw material selection, properties and formulations methodologies. All major areas of application, including architectural, industrial and maintenance, were discussed.
The one-day short courses were held Tuesday, October 2. “Coatings for Automotive OEM” focused on new technology trends, drivers and challenges that face formulators and their suppliers. After a short review of the fundamentals of coatings for automotive OEM applications, challenges for meeting new performance requirements and the issues facing formulators in product development were discussed and examined. Global aspects of formulating for auto OEM applications were also addressed.
“Advanced Polymer Technology” went beyond the basics to cover advanced topics in polymer systems and crosslinking chemistry for coatings with an emphasis on new and emerging technologies. Selected topics related to new polymer technology and advanced discussions of crosslinking chemistry were presented.
“Nanotechnology and Nanocomposites: Applications in Coatings” provided an overview of nanotechnology and nanocomposites, information on the fundamentals and applications of nano-engineered coatings and trends in the development and end-use applications in nanocoatings.
“Introduction to Coatings Technology” gave personnel in the coatings industry from sales, manufacturing, finance and management areas a basic introduction to coatings technology. The course covered principles of paint formulations, introductory coatings chemistry and basic information concerning raw materials. The course was designed to convey relevant information to attendees with minimal or no chemistry background.
“Nature’s Best: Greener, Eco-friendly Raw Materials and Coatings” provided participants with a better understanding of the various strategies and technologies developed by raw material suppliers to respond to increasingly stringent requirements of environmental regulations without compromising high performance products. Raw materials from natural resources were discussed along with greener coatings, technologies and chemistries currently available in the coatings industry.
