Grant: Collaborative Research and Development Grants

The main objective of the proposed research project is to create new fundamental engineering knowledge regarding the technical challenges encountered by the automotive industry, specifically General Motors of Canada (GM), in paint applications involving powder-form prime coatings. Several innovative approaches will be investigated to technically address and define the issues encountered by GM Canada, and to develop powder characterization methods for quality control for the elimination of these issues. Using those characterization methods, the industrial applications of the various fine powder coating products will be evaluated to demonstrate the viability of using fine powder coating.  The research results will aim to provide the necessary industry guidelines required to widen the use of fine powder coating from underhood parts to primers and clear coats of the automobile exterior surfaces. As powder coating is much superior to liquid coating, in term of environmental protection and material reuse, this will lead to significant benefits to the auto industry, as well as other industries where surface coating is required. This close collaborative project and the partnership with a leading automotive manufacturer will lay a solid foundation for and accelerate the implementation of the Canadian university originated "Ultrafine Powder Coating" technology into a vital Canadian industry, creating both economic and environmental rewards for society. This work will also lead to new breakthroughs for the whole coating industry, since the application of high-quality and thin film finishing will have impacts beyond the automotive industry.