NWSCT Newsletter February 2009

After taking the month of February off without a meeting, it's time to get back in the swing of things. Here is a recap of recent society events.

Our January meeting was a lunch meeting at HB Fuller in Vadnais Heights where our featured speaker was Paul Hoffman of Bayer MaterialScience, LLC. Paul's topic was "Polyaspartic Coatings: The Key to Higher Productivity and Lower VOCs."

On January 23rd to 25th we held our annual Winter Outing. This year it was held at Cragun's Resort. We would like to thank all of the sponsors for the hospitality suite and the meals that were provided. Even though the weather was very cold, everyone that attended had a fun time. Thank you very much Ron Chock, Elaine Anderson, and Robin Norcutt for all of your hard work to put together this highly successful family fun event.

Our next meeting will be on Tuesday, March 10 at Jax Cafe in Minneapolis. This talk will feature Andrew Balgeman of HALOX. His topic will be "SOL-GEL CORROSION INHIBITORS." The use of coatings containing either chromate (Cr) or lead (Pb) based anti-corrosives continues to come under heavy scrutiny because of the harmful effects of these products to humans and the environment. Hybrid sol-gel based corrosion inhibitors are an environmentally friendly alternative to the use of heavy metals or Cr-based corrosion inhibitors. This talk highlights research in new sol-gel based corrosion inhibitors for use in coatings, as well as for use in the pre-treatment of bare metals (steel, aluminum, silver). Sol-gel technology particularly affords superior corrosion protection in thin film coatings (< 25 microns dry). This technology is applicable to water- and solvent-borne finishes, high gloss direct-to-metal coatings, conventional primers, acrylic clear coats, fast drying lacquers, wash primers, anti-fingerprint and conversion coatings. The improved corrosion resistance is especially effective when the sol-gel is combined with non toxic anticorrosive pigments. The research presented will show how this synergy between sol-gels and corrosion inhibitors in coatings allows one to effectively replace toxic Cr-based corrosion inhibitors.

Andrew Balgeman received his B.S. Degree in Biology from Valparaiso University in 2001. Before joining HALOX in 2006, he spent four years at Ace Hardware's Paint Division in Matteson, IL, where he worked as a Research & Development Chemist. As a Project Chemist, he is primarily responsible for overseeing both customer and co-supplier projects, where the goal is to successfully optimize their formulations for corrosion or tannin stain inhibition. Mr. Balgeman has been a member of the Chicago Society of the FSCT since 2002.

Announcements and Upcoming Events:

The NWSCT is seeking officers for the 2009 - 2010 Board. We are in the need of a President, Vice President, and Symposium Chair. It's a great way to get involved and show your support for the society. If interested, please contact Elaine Anderson at 651-334-3604 or e-mail her at elaine@commerceindustrialchemicals.com.

- Spring Golf Outing: The annual Spring Golf Outing is scheduled for June 4th at Majestic Oaks Golf Course in Ham Lake. This year the event will be held in the afternoon to better accomadate peoples' schedules. Registration will open at 11:30 AM. More details will follow, but save the date on your calendar for this very popular and fun event!

2009 MEETING SCHEDULE

March 10, 2009	Monthly Meeting/Jax Cafe
April 14, 2009	Monthly Meeting/Jax Cafe
June 4, 2009	Spring Golf Outing - Majestic Oaks (Afternoon Start)

MEETING AGENDA

Date:	Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Place:	Jax Cafe 1928 University N.E., Minneapolis, MN (612) 789-7297
Program Schedule:
3:45 pm	Executive Committee Meeting
5:00 - 5:30 pm	Dinner Tickets Available
5:30 - 6:30 pm	Andrew Balgeman, HALOX "SOL-GEL CORROSION INHIBITORS"
6:30 pm	Dinner (Includes Beverage, Dessert, Tax and Tip) Retired Past Presidents - Half Price Slow Roasted Prime Rib $38 Fried Jumbo Shrimp $34 Chicken Kiev $30
Next Meeting:	April 14, 2009 at Jax Cafe