DSM NeoResins+ announced today that Ad Overbeek, Global Science Manager DSM NeoResins+, has delivered the 2009 Joseph J. Mattiello Memorial Lecture.

The lecture formed the focal point of the CoatingsTech Conference held in Indianapolis, Indiana (United States) from April 27-29 and is considered one of the most prestigious awards in the international coatings scientific community, recognizing individuals who have made an outstanding contribution to the field of coatings science and technology.

Overbeek’s paper, which he presented on Tuesday afternoon April 28th, was entitled “Polymer Heterogeneity in Waterborne Coatings” and addressed a broad-ranging and cutting-edge insight into the effect of being heterogeneous on paint properties.

Overbeek’s treatise demonstrated how hybrids yield better properties than blends and showed for example how optimal coatings properties can be obtained: by combining alkyd parts with waterborne acrylic polymers; through the co-polymerization of urethanes and acrylics into core-shell particles; or by making polyester-modified acrylics.

The paper reflected how heterogeneous hybrid paint systems enable the design of coating products with end-properties that perform as well as traditional solvent based systems, and are easy to use. Overbeek also hinted that difficulties with adhesion to untreated polypropylene can be solved. He also described amphiphilic polymers that have similar levelling properties as SB alkyds, making it possible to obtain high gloss waterborne coatings.

In a distinguished career Overbeek’s work has focused on the contribution of polymer technology to coatings developments and performance. In particular he has led a number of advancements in environmentally responsible coatings and has been highly instrumental in driving the industry’s transition to waterborne resin technology, underlining DSM NeoResins+ leadership position in this field globally. A significant factor in this has been the company’s ability to successfully convert a high number of patents and scientific developments from its R&D resources into commercial realities.

Dimtri de Vreeze, Business Unit Director, DSM NeoResins+ said: “We are really proud of Ad’s achievements over a long and distinguished career and congratulate him on this latest award. Ad reflects the very best of our scientific prowess at DSM and underlines our commitment to leading-edge innovation which is at the heart of our business success.”

The Federation of Societies for Coatings Technologies (FSCT) organized the first Joseph J. Mattiello Lecture in 1949 and it has been held annually ever since. The invited lecture commemorates the contributions of Dr. Mattiello, former President of the FSCT (1943-44), who was instrumental in expanding the application of the sciences in the decorative and protective coatings fields. Dr. Mattiello was vice president and technical director of Hilo Varnish Corporation, Brooklyn, NY, when he died in 1948.

The lecturer, chosen from among select individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the science and/or technology of coatings, is invited to deliver a paper on a phase of chemistry or other physical science, engineering, human relationships or other sciences fundamental to paint and coatings, varnish, lacquer, or otherwise related to protective or decorative coatings.