Library: Resources & Media
Press Releases
Two New Directors Add Expertise to ChemQuest Team
The ChemQuest Group is pleased to announce the appointment of two new directors: John Giudici and William (Bill) Worms. An operations transformation leader, John has built considerable expertise in strategic planning and execution, manufacturing operations, performance and process improvements, product and quality management, and productivity optimization. Bill is a seasoned business executive with expertise leading public and private companies, associations, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) organizations.
Kevin Biller Inducted into Powder Coating Institute Hall of Fame
The ChemQuest Group is pleased to announce that Kevin Biller, director of ChemQuest Powder Coating Research, was inducted into the Powder Coating Institute (PCI) Hall of Fame at the conclusion of the organization’s annual meeting on May 30.
Heshmatazad Joins ChemQuest as a Director
The ChemQuest Group is pleased to announce the appointment of Roudabeh (Rudi) Heshmatazad as a director. Heshmatazad is a strategic and forward-thinking business leader with decades of experience translating consumer insight into innovative, market-winning products. Known for building and expanding portfolios through a deep understanding of market dynamics, data analytics, and consumer behavior, she excels in driving cross-functional collaboration across R&D, marketing, and operations to deliver impactful, scalable solutions.
Market Reports
Articles
Salt Spray Testing: Dinosaur or Foundational Benchmark?
First published in 1939, one of the oldest specifications in the Committee D01 arsenal is ASTM B117 Standard Practice for Operating Salt Spray (Fog) Apparatus. It is still in active use today in a variety of markets to evaluate the comparative durability and performance of substrates in corrosive environments. This is despite some experts suggesting that the test is outdated and convenient rather than scientifically rigorous.
Powder Coating Nonconductive Substrates
Powder coating is traditionally applied electrostatically to a conductive (typically metal) substrate. The charged particles are attracted to the grounded object and uniformly deposited on the surface. However, as low-temperature-cure powder coatings become more available, the possibility of using them for coating a wide variety of heat-sensitive and nonconductive substrates is more of a reality than ever before.
Navigating the Maze, Part 4: The Final Filter – Using Quantitative Scoring to Prioritize Market Opportunities
You’ve assembled your interdisciplinary team, assessed market attractiveness and commercial feasibility, and validated technical and manufacturing readiness. Now comes the final step: prioritizing opportunities. When your list of promising projects exceeds your capacity to pursue them all, a structured scoring system ensures objective, data-driven decision making.
When the Rubber Hits the Road – A Systems Approach to Coating Diamond-Cut Automotive Wheels
Diamond-cut wheels are a staple of high-end automobiles due to their aesthetic appeal and performance. The standout aesthetic feature of these wheels is the sharp contrast between the brightly machined aluminum surface and the colored background provided by the basecoat. The coating systems applied to these wheels are critical to their durability, as they must protect the substrate against harsh environments and corrosive materials.
2025 Raw Materials & Chemicals Overview
Global raw material input costs are by far the most expensive components in the cost of goods sold for adhesive and sealant formulators, equaling about 50% of revenue as an industry average (a higher percentage than coatings formulators face). Globally, raw material prices are facing greater uncertainty after seeing a period of relative stability following supply chain constraints, shortages, and inflation pressures in 2021 and 2022.
ChemQuest Q&A: Julie Vaughn Biege
Julie Vaughn Biege joined ChemQuest in 2022, quickly contributing her expertise in support of a number of clients. Today, she continues to play a key role in many projects while also working as part of our business development team. I had the opportunity to chat with Julie recently to learn more about her background, what types of projects she finds most engaging, and some key trends she’s keeping her eye on.











