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by Daniel Murad, CEO
As we all know, personnel roles within specialty chemicals and advanced materials require specialized know-how and skills. This can make it incredibly difficult to find knowledgeable and experienced people to fill key positions. Compounding the problem is the fact that many recruiters simply are not able to fully understand the requirements of these types of roles, which unnecessarily extends the hiring/onboarding window and potentially results in unqualified hires.
Not having fully staffed and skilled teams in place unfortunately jeopardizes your company’s ability to succeed over the long term. How many potentially impactful initiatives have been abandoned due to a lack of internal resources? Too many, without a doubt.
Read the Article >
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by Susan Sutton, Director of Marketing & Communications
With a background in chemistry and chemical engineering, Julie Vaughn Biege began her dynamic specialty chemicals career in R&D. This solid technical foundation served her well as she progressed into roles ranging from operations and product management to marketing.
Julie 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.
Read the Article >
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2025 Paints, Coatings, Adhesives:
All Eyes on Housing/Economy Turnaround
ChemQuest CEO Daniel Murad was honored to once again provide his insights for the Fermium Research annual Paints, Coatings, and Adhesives conference call to the investment community.
In addition to sharing an overview of market conditions, trends, and forecasting for these vital industries, Dan discussed economic uncertainty and issues in specific end-use industries such as construction that are impacting global specialty chemicals sectors.
| | | Our team is honored to continue to contribute to key specialty chemicals publications. Recent articles have focused on a range of topics, including PFAS, functional powder coatings, raw materials and chemicals trends and drivers, and much more. | | |
The PFAS Discussion: Update 2025
by George Pilcher
All producers and users of PFAS products should remain vigilant; this is not an issue where it makes sense to ignore the situation until it has been resolved by others. It is important to make sure that everyone involved is on top of the issues and determining their corporate actions based upon the direction in which regulatory actions on the issues appear to be trending.
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Powder Coatings with a Purpose
by Eric Casebolt
In the world of powder coatings, the term “functional coatings” has historically been used to describe fusion-bonded epoxies used in pipeline and rebar applications. However, today’s powder coatings offer specialized functionalities that fit in with the broader definition of that term — they are specifically designed to provide a function beyond aesthetics and substrate protection.
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2025 Raw Materials and Chemicals Overview
by A. Todd Muhleman
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. Globally, raw material prices are facing greater uncertainty after seeing a period of relative stability following supply chain constraints, shortages, and inflation pressures.
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Salt Spray Testing: Dinosaur or Foundational Benchmark?
by Cynthia Gosselin, Ph.D.
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.
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Can PPFs Disrupt Traditional Coatings?
by Victoria Scarborough, Ph.D.
As industries evolve under increasing demands for sustainability, performance, and customization, new technologies are reshaping traditional practices. One such innovation is the rise of paint protection films (PPFs), also known as paint performance films. Originally developed for military applications, PPFs have grown into a versatile, high-performance alternative to conventional paints and coatings.
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How to Control Powders' Glass Transition Temperature
by Kevin Biller
In layperson’s terms, the glass transition temperature (Tg) is best considered a sophisticated method to measure softening or melt point. Another issue – the Tg of a powder coating before undergoing cure is a good indication of melt point and correlates to physical storage and handling stability. The Tg of a cured powder coating is a good indication of degree of cure, hardness, chemical resistance, and overall coating performance.
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| | Fall event season is in full swing, and the ChemQuest team is looking forward to seeing new technologies, participating in dynamic discussions, and networking with colleagues both old and new. Please reach out to schedule an onsite meeting. | |
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Discussing Industry Data and Dynamics
Particularly active over the next few weeks will be our CEO, Daniel Murad, who is delivering presentations in South America (ABRAFATI), the U.S. (FPCA), and Europe (CEPE).
Dan will be sharing his insights on the global coatings industry, discussing the trends and drivers, regulatory and technology issues, and regional nuances that will help attendees shape their strategies in years to come.
ABRAFATI Show
September 23-25 | Sao Paulo, Brazil
Florida Paint & Coatings Association
September 26-28 | Longboat Key, Fla.
CEPE Annual Conference
October 8-10 | Vienna, Austria
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We also hope to see you at these upcoming events:
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PACK EXPO – Las Vegas, Nev., September 29-October 1
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Pittsburgh Chemical Day – Pittsburgh, Pa., September 30
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TRFA Annual Meeting – Knoxville, Tenn., October 6-8
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The Battery Show – Detroit, Mich., October 6-9
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Paint & Coatings – Milan, Italy, October 8-9
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K 2025 – Dusseldorf, Germany, October 8-15
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Western Coatings Show – Las Vegas, Nev., October 19-22
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ASC Executive Leadership Conference – St. Pete Beach, Fla., October 20-22
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SOCMA Summit – San Antonio, Texas, October 21-22
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SEMA Show – Las Vegas, Nev., November 4-7
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Dealmakers Houston – Houston, Texas, November 12
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Compounding World Expo North America – Cleveland, Ohio, November 12-13
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AFCC Global Biobased Economy Conference – Washington, D.C., November 16-18
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Adhesives and Sustainable Packaging: Market Trends, Drivers, and Unmet Needs
October 8 | 10-11 a.m. EST
Join Graeme Roan, Ph.D., for this Adhesive and Sealant Council webinar focusing on the role of adhesives in sustainable packaging solutions. Graeme will explore sustainability’s impacts on (and future needs for) adhesives used in packaging, particularly pressure-sensitive adhesives, from tapes for sealing and securing products and packaging to labels for branding, identification, and shipping. Covering developments in both adhesive technologies and in tape and label construction, attendees will hear about market opportunities, trends, and the technology developments needed to address them.
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ChemQuest serves as the exclusive partner of Fraunhofer IFAM in North America. If your customers require certification or your team could benefit from adhesives training and knowledge, 2026 registration is open.
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Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Bonder (EAB)
The week-long, in-person EAB course gives participants a fundamental understanding of adhesive bonding. This knowledge of the technical aspects and importance of their particular work procedures will enable them to carry out bonding work independently and professionally.
ChemQuest Technology Institute, South Boston, Va.
March 16-20
Course Overview > | Register Now >
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Fraunhofer IFAM European Adhesive Specialist (EAS)
The EAS course blends three weeks of remote learning and one week of in-person sessions at our facility in South Boston, Va. Graduates of this advanced course will be able to take on supervisory functions, prepare work instructions, and make contributions to quality assurance aspects of bonding technology.
Course Schedule:
- Week 1 (online): April 14-17
- Week 2 (online): May 4-8
- Week 3 (online): May 18-22
- Week 4 (in person): June 1-5
Course Overview > | Register Now >
| | | | Joe Powder offers solutions, best practices, and general knowledge regarding all things powder coating. You are invited to browse through the articles or search for solutions to specific issues, such as those highlighted here. | |
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