Test methods for determining long-term weathering performance to be subject of two-part FSCT Virtual Learning Conference.

The FSCT will sponsor a two-part Virtual Learning Conference series on Test Methods to Determine the Long-Term Weathering Performance of Coatings Systems. On October 6, Cindy Peters and Mark Nichols, of Ford Research Labs, will present "Chemical and Mechanical Testing of Paint Systems." On Thursday, October 20, the second session, "Accelerated Weathering Exposure and Depth Profiling of Coating Systems," will be offered by Tony Misovski and Chris Seubert, also of Ford.

These courses may be taken individually or as a series. Register by September 29 to receive discounted registration.

Chemical and Mechanical Testing of Paint Systems

Thursday, October 6, 2005

2:00-3:30 pm (ET)

This session covers the mechanisms by which coatings degrade outdoors under the influence of UV radiation, heat, and water. Chemical methods to quantify this degradation are explained in detail along with practical examples on how to perform these measurements. Techniques covered include: infrared spectroscopy (transmission, photoacoustic, and ATR) and UV spectroscopy. The correlation between these methods and real world performance is discussed. The repercussions of chemical changes on the mechanical performance of the coatings are also detailed. Also demonstrated are techniques for measuring changes in mechanical performance and the propensity for cracking or delamination. A discussion of the role of internal stresses in coatings and techniques to measure these stresses concludes the presentation.

Course Instructors

Cindy Peters is a technical expert in the Materials Research and Advanced Engineering Department at Ford. She received her B.S. and M.S. in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI. Ms. Peters began her work at Ford in 1989 in the Polymer Science Department. In 1992, she joined the Paint Durability Group where she has studied the weathering of automotive coatings. In this area, she has contributed to the development of chemistry-based weathering tests, provided test techniques to automotive paint suppliers, evaluated accelerated weathering tests, and developed many analytical techniques for studying the durability of paint systems.

Mark Nichols is technical leader at Ford and heads the New Coatings Systems group in Ford's Materials Research and Advanced Engineering Department. Dr. Nichols received a Ph.D. Degree in Materials Science and Engineering from the University of Michigan in 1992, and joined Ford Research Laboratory later that same year. His current research is focused on automotive coatings. Topics of particular interest include: coating weatherability, accelerated test methods, the fracture behavior of coatings and films, and radiation-curable coatings.

Accelerated Weathering Exposure and Depth Profiling of Coating Systems

Thursday, October 20, 2005

2:00-3:30 pm (ET)

This session covers the effects of exposure conditions on anticipating the long-term weathering behavior of coating systems. The effects of different UV-radiation sources, temperature, and water (liquid and vapor) are shown to strongly affect accelerated weathering results. The role of these exposure variables is discussed in detail. Focus is also on depth profiling of weathered coatings and its use in understanding the long-term weathering performance of coatings. The use of microtomy and spectroscopy to characterize the depth and extent of degradation, as well as the distribution of stabilizer additives (UV light absorbers and hindered amine light stabilizers), are shown. In conclusion, the application of depth profiling to solving real world weathering issues is demonstrated.

Course Instructors

Tony Misovski joined Ford Research Laboratory in 1997. He held positions in adhesive bonding and fuel cell/fuel processing research before joining the Paint Weathering Group in 2000. Mr. Misovski received a B.S. Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Detroit Mercy. His primary emphasis has been on characterizing and developing improved accelerated weathering tests with a focus on understanding the interactions between spectral power distribution, water, and environmental cycles.

Chris Seubert has been a research engineer at Ford Motor Company for the last six years. His work in the New Coating Systems group in Ford's Research Laboratory has focused on paint durability and the processing of UV-curable coatings. Mr. Seubert received a B.S. Degree in Materials Science from the University of Illinois and an M.S. Degree in Materials Science from the University of Michigan. Author of numerous papers, he has given a variety of presentations on the curing and weathering of UV-curable coatings.

Who Should Attend:

R & D personnel, technology managers, and coating technology specialists who are involved in the formulation and testing of automotive, architectural, industrial, marine, aerospace, and powder coatings. Personnel from equipment suppliers involved in weathering testing will also find significant value in the course.

Learning Objectives

* Understand the chemical changes that occur in coatings during weathering

* Learn different infrared spectroscopy techniques used to characterize the chemical changes that take place during weathering.

* Understand the application of UV spectroscopy to the weathering of coatings

* Demonstrate the suitability of UV-curable coatings for both decorative and protective functions over plastics

* Understand the mechanical repercussions of weathering on coatings and different techniques to characterize mechanical property changes

* Learn the effects of different exposure variables (UV light, heat, water) on the weathering behavior of coatings

* Learn the use of microtomy and depth profiling in weathered coatings such that photooxidation, UVA concentration, and HALS concentration can be measured as a function of depth into a paint system

Registration

Early Bird Fees: Register by September 29 for either course to receive the discounted rate, per course, of: FSCT member--$349; nonmember--$399.

Regular Fees: After September 29, the registration fees are: FSCT member--$399; nonmember--$449.

Only one fee is charged per location, regardless of how many people participate.

To register, visit www.coatingstech.org/Programs/Shows/Schedule.cfm; or contact FSCT, 492 Norristown Rd., Blue Bell, PA 19422-2350; 610.940.0777; fax: [phone]; email:[e-mail].