Axalta Coating Systems recently presented a Campus Talk at Jiaotong University at which Axalta’s Chief Technology Officer, Dr. Barry Snyder, unraveled the underlying technology in which the company invests in order to formulate high-performance and sustainable coating solutions.
 
Jiaotong University, one of the top universities in China, brought together an audience of students, academics and industry professionals to learn about the approach Axalta takes to develop coatings that are aesthetically outstanding and meet customer criteria for durability, productivity, ease-of-use and sustainability. Axalta’s Campus Talks in China are designed to create awareness, educate and update local academic communities on the technologies and business systems that Axalta uses to support its customers.

Dr. Snyder provided an overview of Axalta’s approach and philosophy around coating formulation and production also explained the many benefits that derive from the use of the company’s coatings. For example, the presentation delved into the chemistry behind creating durable coatings, such as the need to maintain adhesion between layers to prevent coatings from flaking, gloss retention factors the enable coatings to endure harsh climate conditions, and the need to resist scratches that arise from the wear and tear vehicles experience. His remarks explored the various disciplines of chemistry, material science, and engineering that play a vital role in Axalta’s ability to develop the latest coatings.

“A creative fusion of precision science and design takes place every time we develop a coating formula, whether it’s for automobiles, trains, construction vehicles or to coat a motor, generator or gas pipeline,” said Dr. Snyder. “We keep a very close watch on what our different customers want because the coatings formulations are as diverse as the products they coat. In addition to meeting customer requirements, we invest to deliver coating solutions that meet China’s and global standards and regulations for sustainable products and production processes.”

“The Campus Talk was eye-opening for our students and staff on the world of coatings. We have now developed a greater respect and appreciation on the science and art of coatings. This collaboration with Axalta serves as an inspiration to our students in this field of work which impacts the look and performance of everyday things we see and use,” said Professor Zhu Xinyuan, School of Chemistry and Chemical Engineering of Jiaotong University.

The Jiaotong University Campus Talk is the second consecutive annual forum that Axalta has hosted. The presentation followed a celebration to commence construction of Axalta’s new Asia Pacific Technology Center (APTC) that is being built in the Minhang Industrial Development Center in Shanghai. The APTC is part of Axalta’s investment in China to drive Axalta’s leadership in coating technology. Early this year, Axalta opened a facility in Jiading to produce waterborne coatings which have reduced volatile organic compounds (VOCs) to comply with environmental regulations in China and globally.

Axalta companies have been doing business in China since 1984 and in 2016 will celebrate 150 years of experience in the coatings industry. This wealth of institutional knowledge has helped Axalta maintain its leadership role for developing cutting edge coating products. In addition to the new APTC and waterborne coatings plant adjacent to its Jiading plant, Axalta also has a plant in Changchun, six powder coating operations in collaboration with a joint venture partner, four refinish training centers. In Shanghai, it has a Global Color Lab and Asia Pacific Innovation Center to support R&D and its Asia Pacific regional headquarters. Axalta’s multiple resources in China work together to support the sustained, long-term growth of China’s automotive, commercial transportation and industrial sectors that use Axalta coatings.