Conference Schedule

CoatingsTech Conference 2025 /// April 28 – 30, 2025
Omni William Penn /// Pittsburgh, PA

Conference Schedule

CoatingsTech Conference 2025
April 28 – 30, 2025

Omni William Penn
Pittsburgh, PA

Coatings and Technologies for a Resilient Future

Through a series of specialized lectures from notable industry experts and focused technical sessions, ACA’s 2025 CoatingsTech Conference will offer an unprecedented opportunity for all levels of coatings professionals to participate and learn from each other. Embracing the theme, “Coatings and Technologies for a Resilient Future,” reflects current challenges and trends, and the key role coatings play in providing protection to our most valued objects and our critical infrastructure. The 2025 conference will feature the industry’s latest science and technology developments, including advance notice on technology-forcing factors to help the industry set a sustainable trajectory for meeting future market challenges.

A series of five specially designed short courses will focus on the fundamentals and emerging developments in coatings technology, and will be held concurrently. NOTE: These short courses will be held prior to the conference opening, and are not included in the conference registration fee.

 

Program is Subject to Change

Registration is Now Open!

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Full Schedule

Monday

April 28, 2025

Tuesday

April 29, 2025

Wednesday

April 30, 2025

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Monday, April 28, 2025

5 sessions
8:00am - 10:30 am
Short Courses

Coatings “101”: An Introduction

Ray Fernando, Arthur C. Edward Chair in Coatings Technology and Ecology, California Polytechnic State University

Designed for new coatings technology professionals to provide an introduction to a broad range of practical coatings science for all product categories. Led by notable scientists from industry and academia, the short course will advance application of knowledge on research, development and innovation challenges.

8:00am - 10:30 am
Short Courses

Smart & Multi-Functional Coatings

Jamil Baghdachi, Professor of Polymers and Coatings, Eastern Michigan University Coatings Research Institute

This short course will provide insight on bringing research to market, highlighting the tools and technology used to identify functional needs and apply coatings science to address them. From self-cleaning and dirt-resistant technology, to superhydrophobic and ice-phobic films, this course will explore the basic research and high throughput assessment tools that assist in breakthroughs.

8:00am - 10:30 am
Short Courses

Scientific Approach to Formulating with Waterborne Additives

Ingrid Meier, Head of Applied Research & Technology, Decorative Coatings Americas Coating Additives, Evonik Corp.

Ron Romer, End Use Manager, Architectural Coatings, Floor Coatings and Construction Materials, BYK

John Rabasco, Principal Research Scientist, Dow Coating Materials

This short course will provide a broad overview of scientific principles and structure-property relationships that allow for effective formulating with additives for waterborne coatings. During the course, the following specific topics will be discussed: Wetting Agents and Defoamers; Additives for Particle Stabilization; and Rheology Modifiers.

8:00am - 10:30 am
Short Courses

Bio-based Materials & Sustainability

Hongying Zhou, Scientist, Polymer Synthesis, PPG

This short course will provide insight into how PPG establishes its sustainability goals and implements science-based, measurable targets to align with enterprise-wide priorities of growth and innovation. The short course will review the current market of recycled, renewable, and bio-based raw materials and the impact to upstream emissions, as well as provide a few case studies on the development of both bio-based and recycled materials in coatings and adhesives applications.

8:00am - 10:30 am
Short Courses

UV EB Cured Coatings: Chemistry, Formulations, Technology & Applications

Michael J. Dvorchak, Dvorchak Enterprises LLC

This course will highlight the fundamental principles of free radical chemistry as it centers around 100% solids, UV/EB-cure aromatic/aliphatic polyurethane, epoxy, polyester, polyether oligomers and their use with monomeric acrylates in combination with specific photoinitiators. Additionally, the course will also review UV cured water based polyurethane dispersions. The short course will focus on how these UV/EB coatings are formulated and used/applied in new and emerging markets and examine some of the newest innovations that offer significant advances for green coatings technologies.

10:30am - 11:00 am

Welcome Address

Mike Johnson, ACA CEO
Ramesh Subramanian, ACA S&T Chair

2 sessions
11:00am - 1:45 pm
Break

Student Tour of the PPG Coatings Innovation Center (box lunches will be provided)

11:00am - 12:00 pm
Featured Session
Keynote Address

Future-proofing Buildings: Pushing the Envelope Toward a More Resilient Future

Andrea Wagner Watts, building science education manager at GAF, will deliver the keynote address, “Future-proofing Buildings: Pushing the Envelope Toward a More Resilient Future,” on Monday, April 28.

Watts engages with industry professionals to provide guidance, technical support and education for roof and wall assemblies. With more than 15 years of industry experience, she works to improve the overall performance of the building enclosures through application innovation, product development and building science research.

Watts holds multiple patents and has published on building science, assembly interfaces, durability and resilience. She serves as the Air Barrier Association of America’s (ABAA) first vice chair; co-chairs ABBA’s Technical Committee; and chairs the ASTM International’s E06 Task Group on air barrier systems and the ASTM D08 Task Group on Roof Air Barriers.

Watts earned a B.S. in Civil Engineering from Cornell University.

Andrea Watts, Building Science Manager for GAF

12:00pm - 1:45 pm
Break

Luncheon for general attendees

3 sessions
2:00pm - 2:30 pm
Session 1: Protective Coatings

Fluoride-Degradable Silyl-Containing Polyurethane Topcoats

Reid Gilsdorf, Precise Systems, Inc.

2:00pm - 2:30 pm
Session 2: Architectural Coatings I

Maximizing Pigment and Overall Paint Performance with Multifunctional Additives

Richard Henderson, Advancion

2:00pm - 2:30 pm
Session 3: Functional Coatings

Antimicrobial Coatings for Long-lasting Surface Protection

Shan Jiang, Iowa State University

3 sessions
2:30pm - 3:00 pm
Session 1: Protective Coatings

Powder Coating Systems for improved Corrosion Protection

Kathryn Shaffer, PPG

2:30pm - 3:00 pm
Session 2: Architectural Coatings I

Colorant Effects on Solar Reflectivity and Rheology of Exterior Architectural Coatings

Ray Fernando, California Polytechnic State University

2:30pm - 3:00 pm
Session 3: Functional Coatings

Biocide-free Fouling Release Coatings

Nicole Marfisi, PPG

3:00pm - 3:30 pm
Break

Coffee Break

3 sessions
3:30pm - 4:00 pm
Session 1: Protective Coatings

Sustainable Alternatives to Chrome-Based Coatings: Exploring Organosilane-Based Hybrid Coatings for Metal Substrates

Fatemeh Fallah, Eastern Michigan University

3:30pm - 4:00 pm
Session 2: Architectural Coatings I

A Waterborne Exterior Wood Coating that Eliminates the Need for “VOC Exempt” Solvents

Mary Chervenak, Arkema

3:30pm - 4:00 pm
Session 3: Functional Coatings

Cavitation-erosion and Corrosion Resistance Coatings for Abrasive Water

Ravi Arukula, North Dakota State University

3 sessions
4:00pm - 4:30 pm
Session 1: Protective Coatings

Ultra-Low Emission Technology for High Performance Epoxy Coatings Designed for Winter-Cure

Raghuraman Govindan Karunakaran, Evonik

4:00pm - 4:30 pm
Session 2: Architectural Coatings I

Smart Antimicrobial Coating Additives

Benjamin Pearman, SynMatter LLC

4:00pm - 4:30 pm
Session 3: Functional Coatings

A Mussel-inspired Approach to Impart Fabrics with Superhydrophobic and Self-cleaning Features

Diana Alves, INL, International Iberian Nanotechnology Laboratory

3 sessions
4:30pm - 5:00 pm
Session 1: Protective Coatings

The Expanding Role of Paint Performance Films for Surface Protection

Victoria Scarborough, ChemQuest Group, Inc.

4:30pm - 5:00 pm
Session 2: Architectural Coatings I

How Epoxy Adhesives are Taking the Leadership in the DIY and Industrial Sectors

Mr. Emiliano Sanchez, Fusion Epoxy, Inc.

4:30pm - 5:00 pm
Session 3: Functional Coatings

Design of Recyclable Inorganic-Organic Hybrid Polymer Coatings

Christopher Fischer, Fraunhofer Institute for Silicate Research

5:00pm - 6:30 pm

Networking Reception and Student Poster Session

Tuesday, April 29, 2025

7:30am - 8:30 am
Break

Continental Breakfast

8:30am - 9:30 am

Mattiello Award Presentation & Lecture

3 sessions
9:45am - 10:15 am
Session 4: Architectural Coatings II

Enhancing Coating Performance without Using Fluorocarbon Surfactants in Water-Based Formulations

Lichang Zhou, Syensqo

9:45am - 10:15 am
Session 5: Industrial and Specialty Coatings

Non-Acrylate UV-LED Nail Gel with High Bio-Renewable Content Based on Hydrophobic Organic-Inorganic Hybrid (OIH) System

Neda Hayeri, Eastern Michigan University

9:45am - 10:15 am
Session 6: Analytical Methods and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Methods to Determine Open Time of Architectural Coatings

Jennifer Mills, Dow

3 sessions
10:15am - 10:45 am
Session 4: Architectural Coatings II

New Strategies for Emulsifying Resins for Water-Based Coatings

Bruno Dario, Indorama Ventures

10:15am - 10:45 am
Session 5: Industrial and Specialty Coatings

Clock Is Ticking in South Coast California and Here are Options to Meet Regulations

Gautam Haldankar, Allnex

10:15am - 10:45 am
Session 6: Analytical Methods and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Pioneering New Coating Thickness Measurement

Fabian Gaußmann, OptiSense

3 sessions
10:45am - 11:15 am
Session 4: Architectural Coatings II

Next Generation Waterborne Coatings for Cleaner Air and a Sustainable Future

John Kirkwood, Axalta Coating Systems

10:45am - 11:15 am
Session 5: Industrial and Specialty Coatings

Coatings for Drop-on-Demand Application

Shih-Wa Wang, Axalta Coating Systems

10:45am - 11:15 am
Session 6: Analytical Methods and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Using Simulation Tools and Physicochemical Properties to Guide Selection of Additives

Michael Praw, Indorama Ventures

3 sessions
11:15am - 11:45 am
Session 4: Architectural Coatings II

Synthesis and Characterization of Polyurethane Coatings derived from Palm Olein-based Alkyd and Recycled Poly(ethylene terephthalate)

Abbas Ahmad Adamu, Hussaini Adamu Federal Polytechnic

11:15am - 11:45 am
Session 5: Industrial and Specialty Coatings

Nature Inspired Smart Antimicrobial Surfaces for Autonomous Vehicles?

Michael Dvorchak, DvorchakEnterprisesLLC.com

11:15am - 11:45 am
Session 6: Analytical Methods and Artificial Intelligence (AI)

Rapid Reformulation and Optimization of Direct-to-Metal Waterborne Coatings

Erik Sapper, California Polytechnic State University

12:00pm - 1:45 pm
Break

Lunch and Technical Focus Lecture

Service Life Prediction of Coatings: A Vehicle Manufacturer’s Perspective,” Mark Nichols, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering

Dr. Nichols received his Ph.D. from the University of Michigan in 1992, after which he joined the Ford Research Laboratory. His current research is focused on automotive coatings and battery manufacturing. He is currently the Senior Technical Leader for Materials, Coatings, and Analysis at the Ford Motor Company, and the Editor-in-Chief of the Journal of Coatings Technology and Research.

Mark Nichols, Ford Research and Advanced Engineering

3 sessions
2:00pm - 2:30 pm
Session 7: Bio-based and Renewable Materials

Isocyanate-Free Polyurethane-Siloxane Networks based on Partially Renewable Binders

Lucille Wells, U.S. Naval Research Laboratory

2:00pm - 2:30 pm
Break
Session 8: Durability

Elastomeric Coatings as Leading Edge Protection for Wind Turbine Rotor Blades

Jonas Friebel, Fraunhofer IFAM

2:00pm - 2:30 pm
Session 9: Coating Application Technology

LF-NMR Relaxation – A Useful Technique for QC and to Determine the Equivalency of Materials used in Coatings Formulations

David Fairhurst, Colloid Consultants Ltd

3 sessions
2:30pm - 3:00 pm
Session 7: Bio-based and Renewable Materials

Bio-based Binder and Additives for High-Performance Interior Paints

Wenjun Wu, Arkema Coating Resins

2:30pm - 3:00 pm
Session 8: Durability

Impact of Pigments and Their Dispersants on the Weathering Performance of Waterborne PVDF/Acrylic Based Topcoat

Wei Wang, Arkema

2:30pm - 3:00 pm
Session 9: Coating Application Technology

Enhancing Operational Efficiency in Paints and Coatings Manufacturing through Automated Real-Time Viscosity Measurements

Anders Østergård, Fluidan ApS

3 sessions
3:00pm - 3:30 pm
Session 7: Bio-based and Renewable Materials

Advancing Sustainability in Paints and Coatings: Functionalized Polysaccharides as Bio-based Dispersants for Enhanced Pigment Stability

Bailey McLean, Integrity Biochem

3:00pm - 3:30 pm
Session 8: Durability

Mechanically Robust Anti-Icing and Anti-Fouling Coatings

Tong Li, North Dakota State University

3:00pm - 3:30 pm
Session 9: Coating Application Technology

Modeling of a Continuous Coating Process based on Electron-beam Curing

Craig Smith, PPG
Sebastian Uribe, PPG

3 sessions
3:30pm - 4:00 pm
Session 7: Bio-based and Renewable Materials

Development of Bio-based Polyurethane Composite Coatings: Role of 4-nitro-o-phenylenediamine in Corrosion Resistance Properties

Samuel Adeboye, Covenant University (Nigeria)
Adebamiro Oluwafayokunmi, Covenant University (Nigeria)

3:30pm - 4:00 pm
Session 8: Durability

UV-Durable Hydrophobic Coatings for Enhanced Sensor Performance in ADAS and Autonomous Vehicle Systems

Yuejun Zhao, PPG

3:30pm - 4:00 pm
Session 9: Coating Application Technology

Paint System Optimization and Design for Composite Aircraft Structures

Elmar Bonaccurso, Airbus

4:00pm - 5:00 pm
Break

Break

5:00pm - 6:30 pm

Networking Reception

Wednesday, April 30, 2025

7:00am - 8:15 pm

Continental Breakfast and Posters

8:15am - 9:10 am
Break

Introductory Remarks and Overview of State-of-the-Art on Coating Service Life Prediction/Weathering

Li-Piin Sung, NIST and Kurt Wood, Consultant

9:10am - 9:50 am

Tools to Predict Service Life and Optimize Coating Design: Example of Exterior Protective Hard Coatings

Jennifer David, Momentive

9:50am - 10:20 am
Break

Coffee Break

10:20am - 11:00 am

Test Methods and Methodologies for Service Life Prediction

Oscar Cordo and Florian Feil, Atlas Weathering

11:00am - 11:45 am

Multi-Scale Modeling and Machine Learning Applied to SLP

Erik Sapper, Cal Poly SLO

11:45am - 1:00 pm
Break

Lunch and Award Presentations

1:00pm - 1:25 pm

Five-year Florida Correlation Results for SSPC Paint 47 Study

Sean Fowler, Q-Lab

1:25pm - 1:50 pm

Accelerated Test Methods to Predict Durability in Aerospace Environment: Example of Exterior Coating Systems

 Karen Schultz, Boeing

1:50pm - 2:15 pm

Combined Accelerated Stress Test (CAST) for Coatings and PV Components

Peter Hacke, NREL

2:15pm - 2:40 pm

Field Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy Data Analysis for Pipe Linings

Bobbi Jo Merten, U.S. Bureau of Reclamation

2:40pm - 3:05 pm

Designing Durable Ice-Shedding Surfaces

Anish Tuteja, University of Michigan

3:05pm - 3:15 pm
Break

Break and Coffee/Refreshments

(Refreshments available till 4:00 pm)

3:15pm - 4:00 pm

Wrap-up Discussion

Brainstorming Future Directions for the Coatings SLP Community
Moderator: Mark Nichols, Ford Motor Company