4:30pm: Social Hour
5:00pm: Dinner
5:30pm: Technical Talks

7pm: Wrap up

Technical Talk – April Tang [Henkel]

Commerical Tech Talk – Amanda Andrews [Wanhua Chemical (America) Co., LTD.]

A Brief Introduction to Metal Pretreatment (What am I really painting?)

Abstract: Metal surfaces need thorough cleaning and preparation to ensure proper bonding of a subsequent paint layer. However, the pretreatment chemistry and morphology of the pretreated metal surface is sometimes overlooked. In this presentation, a broad overview of cleaning and pretreatment chemistries will be discussed along with best practices that promote good paint adhesion, minimize defects and provide corrosion protection. We will explore commonly-used processes in general and automotive industries.

Biography: April Tang is a Surface Treatment Technical Manager at Henkel. She received her M.Sc. degree in Organic Chemistry from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor. Prior to joining Henkel, April held roles in R&D and Marketing at AkzoNobel. She brings her experience in paint chemistry to her current role, where she provides technical expertise and support for Automotive OEM’s conversion coating processes, focusing on innovations in sustainable metal pretreatment technology.

Our Platinum Sponsor for this Tech Talk is…

Wanhua Chemical’s Water-Based Solutions For Industrial Metal Coatings

Reference to presentation given at CPI in October 2024

Abstract: The metal finishing market continues to grow in volume and needs to have finishes like coatings to provide durability with a healthy appearance.   There is a high demand for materials to perform outside of the manufacturing facilities and not in adequate areas with ideal locations for a coating to be applied.  Examples could be near-loading docks, exterior steel structures, vehicles, doors, dumpsters, or other items.  This article will introduce water-based solutions for metal coating, mainly introducing a 1k solution for light-duty anti-corrosion and a 2k finishing coating solution for CASE market.

Biography: Amanda has 20+ years in the coating industry.  Her passion for paint all started with her first job selling and mixing paint at a local hardware store. This led to her degree in Polymers and Coating Technology from Eastern Michigan University. Later she completed her Master of Chemistry in Materials & Chemical Synthesis from Illinois Institute of Technology. Amanda has had various experiences in and out of college working for ICI Paints, Flint Ink, Akzo Nobel Refinish, BASF Refinish. In 2011, she moved onto WACKER as a Chemist & Technical Manager creating new innovative silicone additives for the coating market for 10 years. Then she moved over to Sales within Coating at Michelman to support the growth of sustainable solutions. Most recently, she has been the Technical Service and Business Director for their Polyurethane and Water-based Product business units. Wanhua Chemical