Formulating with Mike

Using Simulation Tools and Physicochemical Properties to Guide the Selection of Additives, Part 4

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500

This article applies Hansen solubility parameters and relative energy difference to guide dispersant selection, comparing surfactants for carbon black performance.

Using Simulation Tools and Physicochemical Properties to Guide Additive Selection: Part 3

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Experimental data and simulation insights show how physicochemical parameters can guide additive selection for dispersants in coatings formulations.

Using Simulation Tools and Physicochemical Properties to Guide the Selection of Additives, Part Two

Tue, 02 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This follow-up explores the experimental methods behind using simulation tools and physicochemical data to evaluate pigment dispersants.

Using Simulation Tools and Physicochemical Properties to Guide the Selection of Pigment Dispersants, Part One

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400

Theory-based methods help guide pigment dispersant selection using adsorption isotherms, surface energy, and solubility parameters.

Self-Leveling Coatings: Formulating Tips

Wed, 04 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This article offers formulation strategies to enhance durability, minimize moisture issues and maintain self-leveling properties in MDI-based urethane coatings.

Self-Leveling Coatings: Polyols for Urethanes

Sun, 11 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400

This article explores how polyol selection and reactivity influence formulation strategies for high-performance, self-leveling urethane coatings.

Resins: Isocyanates, Part I: Fundamentals and Reactivity

Mon, 03 Mar 2025 00:00:00 -0500

An introduction to isocyanates in coatings, covering types, properties, reactivity and key formulation considerations for self-leveling urethane systems.

The Role of Self-Leveling Coatings

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500

Self-leveling coatings offer high-build, durable solutions for concrete floors, addressing issues like uneven surfaces, water pooling and abrasion resistance.

Concrete Coatings, Part III

Tue, 03 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Concrete coatings utilize advanced resin systems like 1K acrylics and 2K epoxies, designed for optimal performance and durability in various applications.

Concrete Coatings, Part II

Thu, 07 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Concrete coatings require specific properties and testing methods to ensure durability and performance across various applications and environmental conditions.

Concrete Coatings, Part I

Mon, 07 Oct 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Concrete coatings present unique challenges due to the substrate's variability, requiring precise preparation and coatings with specific performance properties for durability and aesthetics.

The Keys to Co-Solvent Selection

Fri, 06 Sep 2024 00:00:00 -0400

Co-solvent choice is a significant challenge faced by waterborne coatings formulators, and its influence on early hardness development and early water resistance is often overlooked.

Improving Water Resistance of Water-Based Coatings Using Reactive Surfactants, Part 5

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This article, the conclusion of a five-part series, covers work done on using reactive surfactants to make styrene acrylic emulsions with better water resistance.

Improving Water Resistance of Water-Based Coatings Using Reactive Surfactants, Part 4

Fri, 12 Jul 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This article, the fourth in a series, covers work done to improve the water resistance of water-based emulsions by replacing conventional emulsion surfactants with surfactants that will react into the polymer matrix.

Improving Water Resistance of Water-Based Coatings Using Reactive Surfactants, Part 3

Mon, 10 Jun 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This article, the third in a series, covers work done to improve the water resistance of water-based emulsions by replacing conventional emulsion surfactants with surfactants that will react into the polymer matrix.

Improving Water Resistance of Water-Based Coatings Using Reactive Surfactants, Part 2

Thu, 02 May 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This article, the second in a series, covers work done to improve the water resistance of water-based emulsions by replacing conventional emulsion surfactants with surfactants that will react into the polymer matrix.

Improving the Water Resistance of Water-Based Coatings Using Reactive Surfactants

Wed, 03 Apr 2024 00:00:00 -0400

This article, the first in a series, covers work done to improve the water resistance of water-based emulsions by replacing conventional emulsion surfactants with surfactants that will react into the polymer matrix.

Polyurethane Polymers, Part 2

Tue, 05 Mar 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Two of the more common 2K coatings systems are polyurethane and epoxy. Part two of this series concentrates on urethanes and 100%-solids systems.

Polyurethane Polymers, Part 1

Mon, 05 Feb 2024 00:00:00 -0500

Two of the more common 2K coatings systems are polyurethane and epoxy. This and next month’s Formulating with Mike column will concentrate on urethanes, with this issue focusing on polyurethane polymers.

Epoxy Curing Agents

Mon, 11 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This month’s Formulating with Mike column continues the discussion on resins, with a focus on epoxy curing agents. When it comes to great adhesion, chemical resistance, and corrosion resistance, an epoxy is hard to beat. There are different epoxy curing agents, and each one provides different properties that can be suited for a wide variety of end-use applications.

Effect of Different Surfactants on Emulsion Polymerization of a Vinyl-Acrylic Latex, Part Three

Wed, 01 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column continues the focus on resins. Mike tests paints with APE-containing and APE-free emulsions for stability, particle size, and final paint quality.

Effect of Different Surfactants on Emulsion Polymerization of a Vinyl-Acrylic Latex, Part Two

Tue, 03 Oct 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column continues the focus on resins, and discusses acrylic emulsion polymerization, in particular, surfactant design and how it affects the polymerization of a vinyl-acrylic emulsion.

Effect of Different Surfactants on Emulsion Polymerization of a Vinyl-Acrylic Latex

Wed, 06 Sep 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column continues the focus on resins and discusses acrylic emulsion polymerization, in particular, surfactant design and how it affects the polymerization of a vinyl-acrylic emulsion.

Alkyd Resins, Part Four: The Life Cycle Assessment of Alkyd Emulsions

Tue, 01 Aug 2023 15:42:53 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column covers the life cycle assessment of alkyd emulsions and concludes the four-part series on alkyd emulsification.

Alkyd Resins, Part Three: The Emulsification Process

Fri, 02 Jun 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column is the conclusion to a three-part series, and covers the emulsification process as well as test data of alkyd emulsions.

Alkyd Resins, Part Two

Mon, 08 May 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column covers how alkyds have changed from high-VOC resins to low-solvent-containing, water-based emulsions.

Alkyd Resins, Part One

Wed, 05 Apr 2023 00:00:00 -0400

This month’s Formulating with Mike column covers the history and evolution of solvent-based alkyds.

Study of Surfactant Tail Variations, Part 2

Wed, 01 Mar 2023 00:00:00 -0500

Learn how the amount of actual dispersant added on pigment solids will have an effect on tinting power, stability, compatibility of formulations, and other properties.

Study of Surfactant Tail Variations, Part One

Tue, 07 Feb 2023 11:03:51 -0500

This month's Formulating with Mike column discusses the development of surfactant molecules for use as a carbon black pigment dispersant.

Selecting the Right Resin for Your Coating

Fri, 06 Jan 2023 00:00:00 -0500

This column covers how to go about selecting the right resin for your coating.