EEC-9525533 Jones This award provides funding for a joint Industry/University Cooperative Research Center in Coating Research at the Eastern Michigan University, Michigan Molecular Institute, and the North Dakota State University. The Centers' two-fold mission is to be a leading academic organization that develops relevant scientific knowledge for understanding and expanding the technology of paints and coatings for the benefit of its members and to enlarge the cadre of scientists and technologists capable of working effectively with coatings. The thrust areas of the Center's research activities are defined by critical problems facing the coating industry and coating users. These areas include: a.) reduction, ultimately, elimination of air pollution; b.) cost-effective improvement of product quality; c.) improved corrosion protection. There are 17 company members currently involved in Center's research activities. These research activities will be coordinated through the Eastern Michigan University under the guidance of the Industry Advisory Board. The Center will perform research in seven areas of science and engineering that are directly relevant to these thrust areas, often combining resources of the institutions to focus on a thrust area. Projects will be implemented primarily by faculty, staff, and the students of the three institutions. Additional funding is provided in this award to support two women undergraduate students who will work as research assistants during the 1995-96 fall and winter semesters. One student will work on a project entitled "Rheology of low and Solventless Water Reducible Coatings." The other student will work on the project "Improved Methods for VOC Analysis."
