2026 CTT Summit Short Courses

Tuesday, September 15, 2026

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

Course 1

Surfactants and Rheology: Chemistry, Theory, Mechanism and Application

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

This three-hour short course on “Surfactants and Rheology: Chemistry, Theory, Mechanism and Application” initially reviews the various types and chemical structures of commercially available surfactants. We then dive into an understanding of the role of inter-atomic and inter-molecular attractive forces as it relates to surface tension. The course progresses to a better understanding of various surface activities including surface area, surface tension, surface pressure, wetting, surface transport and micelle formation. We will explore the world of foam with respect to how surface active agents stabilize and de-stabilize bubbles at the surface or as entrained air. Finally, a review of surfactants as an aid to the dispersion process and the measurements of surface tension in both static and dynamic conditions.

The second part reviews the basic principles of rheology including its definition and its influencers - chemical structure, morphology, and environmental conditions. The impact by various deformation forces including compression, tension, torque, and, particularly, shear will be reviewed to demonstrate the resulting flow profiles of viscosity as a function of shear and time. The chemistry and ancestry of current rheological agents will help clarify the appropriate selection of products for various formulation types including waterborne, solventborne, aliphatic, aromatic, and polar systems.

While targeted to formulating chemists, this course is also well suited for marketing, sales, and production personnel. Managers and supervisors would also benefit by having a better understanding, and appreciation, of the important role surfactants and rheology play to the production, storage, transport, and application of quality paints and coatings.

Sam Morell
President
SamMorell.com

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Course Outline

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

Course 2

Resins for Coatings

9:00 AM - 12:00 PM

In this three-hour course, we will discuss the various resin chemistries used in coatings (alkyd, acrylic, urethane, etc.) and which to select for the best performance. Also covered will be the various states of resins (waterborne, solvent-based, 100% solids). The different curing mechanisms (coalescence, oxidative cure, 2K baking) and how these relate to the effects on a formulation will also be highlighted to help make decisions easier for the formulator.

Michael Praw
Retired Coatings Chemist

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Course 3

Film Formation, Drying and Early Performance of Latex Paints – From MFFT to Blocking Resistance (ASTM-Based Approach)

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

This course will focus on practical formulation strategies and laboratory evaluation, including coalescents, low-temperature film formation, open time, early scrub resistance, blocking, and key ASTM test methods, with a strong hands-on and troubleshooting perspective.

Dr. Artur Palasz
R&D Director
Spektrochem Coatings Laboratory, LLC

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Course 4

Designing Powder Coatings for Harsh Environments – from Pipelines to Electric Vehicles

1:00 PM - 4:00 PM

A key advantage of powder coatings is their ability to deliver durable performance in harsh environments. From architectural aluminum and oil & gas pipelines to electric vehicle applications, OEMs and end users rely on powder coatings to protect components from environmental and mechanical stresses, such as UV exposure, corrosive environments, chemical attack, abrasion, and thermal cycling. Successfully meeting these demands requires a strong understanding of end-use requirements and the powder coating technologies capable of delivering the necessary performance.

This three-hour short course will examine several demanding applications and how powder coatings are designed to meet their unique requirements. Topics will include the key properties needed for each application, the binder chemistries that provide the foundation for coating performance, and the formulation and application strategies used to achieve the desired durability.