Axalta Scientist Presents Rheological Characterization of Drying Process for Automotive Coatings

GLEN MILLS, Pa.

Dr. Vicki Cheng, a Senior Chemist at Axalta Coating Systems, a leading global manufacturer of liquid and powder coatings, presented her research at the 89th American Chemical Society Colloidal Surface Science Symposium, held at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, on June 15. Symposium participants included prominent academics and industrial coatings experts from around the world. Dr. Cheng’s presentation showcased a new method for characterizing the drying process of a liquid coating that is often used for automotive and industrial applications.

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Dr. Vicki Cheng, Axalta Senior Chemist (Photo: Axalta)

During the drying process, a liquid coating undergoes rheological changes and transforms to a solid film. The drying process can affect the appearance and properties of the dry coating, such as smoothness and pigment orientation. Currently, the methods available for characterizing the rheological changes in such processes are limited.

“We developed a new method to measure rheological changes of a coating under controlled drying conditions, using an immobilization cell system,” said Dr. Cheng. “Small amplitude oscillatory shear measurements can be made on a liquid coating as solvents evaporate from it. The method can be used to successfully measure and differentiate drying profiles of coatings that have different resins, and drying times. It was previously used to screen a number of rheology modifiers that are typically used in modern coatings. We believe this method can help to shorten the cycle time for coating formulation development,” Dr. Cheng added.

About Axalta Coating Systems

Axalta is a leading global company focused solely on coatings and providing customers with innovative, colorful, beautiful and sustainable solutions. From light OEM vehicles, commercial vehicles and refinish applications to electric motors, buildings and pipelines, our coatings are designed to prevent corrosion, increase productivity and enable the materials we coat to last longer. With more than 145 years of experience in the coatings industry, the over 12,000 people of Axalta continue to find ways to serve our more than 120,000 customers in more than 130 countries better every day with the finest coatings, application systems and technology. For more information visit axaltacoatingsystems.com and follow us @axalta on Twitter and on LinkedIn.

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Axalta Coating Systems
Lisa Miree-Luke, +1 610-358-2228
lisa.miree-luke@axalta.com
axaltacoatingsystems.com