Polymer Coatings Education and Training

Expand your career opportunities with polymer coatings education and training
By Tara McClendon, Freelance Writer/Editor Tara McClendon A polymer coating forms a protective coating around an object. In the automotive industry, polymer coating systems provide a seal that protects paint from corrosion, scratches and oxidization. There are many industries that utilize coating solutions to protect parts and tools from wear. Some medical tools use polymer coatings to prevent body fluids from damaging the tools.

When it comes to polymer coatings education and training, you may want just a short, basic course, or you may prefer to get a degree that will allow you to create new technologies to make polymer coatings. You may want to consider the following when looking for training:

1. Take advantage of free or low-cost educational opportunities.

2. Expand your career path with a degree that specializes in polymer coating technology.

3. Utilize professional research to stay current in the industry.

Look for ways to self-teach the principals of polymer coatings

Most people have the ability to learn the basics of polymer coatings without needing an instructor. Websites designed for engineers or chemists and books on polymer coatings provide the basic information you need to understand polymer products. Often these sources cost less than other educational opportunities.
Try:  Machine Design hosts an informative article on the basics of polymer coatings. It covers the different materials used to make them. Knovel sells the Handbook of Polymer Coatings for Electronics - Chemistry, Technology and Applications. The book contains comprehensive information on polymer coatings for electronics.

Take classes on protective coatings

There are a few degrees that provide educational information with polymer coatings. A degree in Materials Science or Engineering will often incorporate hands-on lab experience with technical learning. Some universities and colleges offer research programs, and often students can assist in the study.
Try:  The American Chemical Society offers a course on polymeric coatings. In this short course, you learn about technology to understand and solve needs in the industry. Learn more about the research opportunities available through the Materials Science and Engineering Program at the University of Michigan. For details of current research projects, read the abstract posted on the program website.

Stay current on new developments for polymer surface coatings

Once you know the terminology and the technology that people use in relation to polymer coatings, you'll be able to read journals, articles, abstracts or other educational materials to gain new insight into the field. Often these sources cover the results of recent studies and provide contact information for the experts involved in the research.
Try:  Bio-Medicine provides an article on a new polymer that reduces volatile organic compounds (VOC). The article explains the benefit of this new polymer. NASA Tech Briefs offers an article on Thermal Spray Formation of Polymer Coatings. It offers technical information on the invention. ScienceDaily has published an article on self-healing polymer coatings. It includes educational information on the process used to develop the technology.

• If you want to learn more about specialty polymer coatings, contact a manufacturer that specializes in custom coatings and request more information about its services.