The Waterborne Symposium 2025

Abstract
“The Scientific Balance” explores the potential synergy between fundamental chemistry principles and empirical knowledge in the formulation of paints and coatings.  In the coatings industry, empirical approaches often dominate certain practices, however, this approach may limit innovation and overlook areas that could enhance formulations.  By revisiting fundamental concepts in chemistry, theory, and mechanism, formulators may gain insights into underlying principles of coatings performance.  Examples include the use of chemistry, physics, and mathematics to address common challenges most formulators experience related to surface tension, pigment dispersion, rheology, and film formation.  The right balance is important and needed for professional development and to unlock new avenues of product innovation for more effective, sustainable, and high-performance coatings.

Trends in sustainability and changing regulations result in an ongoing evolution of customer needs. New technology or new approaches are often needed to meet these evolving needs, presenting both challenges and opportunities to the coatings industry. A number of examples of technology innovations developed to address such needs will be shared including methods of reducing energy required for cure and approaches for removing materials of concern.

Abstract
Market-inspired research and development (R&D) plays a crucial role in driving innovation, addressing societal needs, and advancing technology. A deeper understanding of market segments and dynamics further sharpens the focus of R&D efforts and increases the chances of commercialization success. And when these efforts align with governmental objectives, an influx of significant funding can accelerate technological advancements. Government funding programs reduce risk and allow researchers to explore long-term breakthrough technologies that might not otherwise take place. In this talk we will explore how combining the tools of market intelligence with various funding mechanisms can effectively intersect to identify innovation gaps that are likely to yield greater results that benefit both society and the economy.