Hansen Solubility Parameters – A Scientific Approach for Coating Formulators (Virtual Course - 8/20/26)

Product Details

The course will run on August 20, 2026. 90 minutes: 1:00-2:30 pm EST

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Hansen Solubility Parameters (HSP) provides a quantitative framework for predicting the similarity and compatibility among various components in a coating’s formulation including polymers, resins, pigments, dispersants, and solvents.  It characterizes materials by their interactions and cohesive energies of Dispersion forces (δD), Polar forces (δP), and Hydrogen Bonding forces (δH).  The main rule of the Hansen Solubility Parameters is simple; if two different molecules have similar Hansen parameters, they will have good compatibility and favorable thermodynamics.

In solventborne coating formulations, for example, the importance of finding a good solvent (or solvent combination) is key to obtaining good solubility; resulting in a coating with the right film integrity, viscosity, and stability.  Even if you have the right solvent, or combination of solvents, you may need to replace one of them due to sustainability, safety, odor, availability, or cost.  However, identifying alternatives is challenging and time consuming since it requires numerous laboratory tests.

In this short course, I will explain how the Hansen Solubility Parameters model can help identify the best alternatives for a variety of ingredients in coating formulations.

Course Outline

• HSP Acceptance
• HSP Parameters
• HSP for both Known and Unknown Materials
• Real World Examples
  • Replacing a Problematic Solvent
  • HSP for Pigment Dispersing
• Determining the HSP of a Formulated Product

Course Instructor

Sam Morell is a Chemical Engineering graduate of New York University.  With over 50 years in the Chemicals industry, his experience includes both technical and marketing positions at Rohm and Haas, BASF, and Air Products and Chemicals.  Mr. Morell has authored numerous technical articles on additives, pigments, and resins in various publications including PCI Magazine, Modern Paint and Coatings, The American Ink Maker, and Adhesives Age.  He has been invited by various domestic and international industry symposiums, as well as Fortune 500 companies, to present both technical papers and educational courses.  These include The American Coatings Show, The Waterborne Symposium, The European Coatings Show, and Coatings Trends and Technologies.