Library: Resources & Media
Press Releases
ChemQuest Names Carla McBain, Ph.D., Director
The ChemQuest Group has appointed Carla McBain, Ph.D., a director. McBain’s wealth of experience includes the development of numerous specialty materials, including polymers for various applications, latex copolymers, and prototype paint formulations. She is also well-versed in emulsion and colloid methodology, computer modeling and statistical experimental design, and global regulatory compliance requirements.
New Format for Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Specialist (EAS) Course
The ChemQuest Group has announced an evolution of the popular Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Specialist (EAS) course. ChemQuest is the exclusive cooperation partner of Fraunhofer IFAM for EAS and European Adhesive Bonder (EAB) courses in North America. New for 2023, the EAS course will blend online and in-person learning to provide participants with a combined virtual and hands-on opportunity.
Montaha Hidefi Joins ChemQuest as Color Consultant
The ChemQuest has appointed Montaha Hidefi as color consultant. Hidefi’s comprehensive background includes expertise in international marketing, powder coatings, and color analysis and forecasting with companies such as Rohm and Haas Co. (now Dow), Merck Group, and TIGER Drylac. She founded Color Landing Studio in 2018 and established the concept of Color Archeology™ in 2020.
Market Reports
Articles
Electric Avenue: The Changing Landscape of Mobility
The coatings industry has been serving the transportation industry since the introduction of the Ford Model-T. Many traditional coatings used today can be used on electric vehicles, but EVs represent a major engineering pivot from mechanically driven to chemically driven vehicles.
ASTM Testing for Cool Roof, Wall, and Pavement Applications
There are two basic types of cool-roof coatings: elastomeric and cementitious. The properties of elastomeric coatings are governed primarily by D6083/D6083M-24 Standard Specification for Liquid-Applied Acrylic Coating Used in Roofing. This specification defines the viscosity, volume, and weight solids required for cool coatings. It also establishes the minimum efficacy standards derived from successful in-service performance throughout the United States.
The Challenges of Product Development in the Coatings Industry
Raw material suppliers that aspire to enter new segments within the coatings industry may find themselves going “back to the drawing board” as it becomes clear the products they develop do not provide a strong value proposition to their customers. These companies should consider shortening their product development cycle by acquiring personnel with relevant coatings experience or partnering with an experienced third party to support their product development efforts.
Navigating Geopolitical Challenges
In light of the recent U.S. presidential election, many companies are looking to take proactive measures to plan for anticipated import tariff increases. President-elect Trump suggested he would impose tariffs of 60-100% on some China-produced goods imported to the U.S., and he favors a 20% universal tariff for all other countries. The higher costs associated with these tariffs are certainly challenging. The question is: What is the best course of action for your business?
ChemQuest Q&A: Prem Patel
Prem Patel describes his life as “one giant episode of ‘How It’s Made,’” and rightly so. Fueled by insatiable curiosity, he is a lifelong learner who has a knack for picking up information and channeling it to solve problems and identify opportunities. After joining ChemQuest this year, Prem quickly became involved in numerous business strategy projects, as well as our expanded focus on business development efforts. I recently had the opportunity to chat with him about his background and experience, as well as trends he’s tracking in the specialty chemicals and advanced materials sectors.
ASTM Editorial and Terminology Standards
This ASTM column is a bit different from previous ones that delved into testing standards and their foibles, histories, how-to instructions, and analytical results. The main theme of this writing is terminology—which, when dissected, leads to exact meaning, precise communication, and a clear understanding of the definitions assigned to various technologies and technical standards. Each of the more than 140 ASTM Committees has an important standard in the library that is often ignored. This standard governs definitions for each subject category, and yet, it generally goes unnoticed during most Committee Weeks. Often people become aware of this standard when one of their customers questions a specific issue by quoting one of the definitions.











