OBJECTIVES: Provide industrial scientists and engineers with an intensive, interactive workshop on the fundamental aspects of latex film formation. The removal of water from latex based coatings causes the particles to pack together, deform and coalesce in distinctive steps in order to form a cohesive film with good properties. Surfactants and other non-volatile materials added to the latex in manufacture remain in the film and influence its properties. Participants will have an opportunity to grasp the basic principles that govern the outcome of the filming process, and to become acquainted with experimental approaches and analytical techniques to study and characterize the intriguing transformation from liquid dispersion to cohesive film. 

INTENDED AUDIENCE: This workshop is directed towards those in industry who produce or use water based latices for use as architectural and paper coatings, textiles and carpet backings, pressure sensitive adhesives, printing inks, etc. Those professionals involved with pigments, colorants and dispersants will also gain advantage by learning the details of the water-borne filming process. 

STRUCTURE OF THE WORKSHOP: This 3-day workshop will be conducted in a highly interactive manner with participants being engaged in discussions, demonstrations, and problem solving.