PRA’s 13th Wood Coatings Congress
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PRA’s 13th International Wood Coatings Congress is a collaboration between Vincentz Network and PRA and will take place in Amsterdam from 22 – 23 October 2024 under the motto “Nature’s gift – technology’s touch!”. This congress provides the opportunity for personal exchange with like-minded professionals from the woodcoatings industry – disseminating new technology, collaboration and networking.
Why you should attend:
About the congress
Wood coatings aren’t just a shield; they’re the superheroes of the woodworking world! Imagine a world without them – wood products left vulnerable to the relentless attacks of weathering, UV-light, temperature, mechanical and chemical influences. These coatings swoop in to save the material, forming an impenetrable barrier that keeps wood looking stunning and standing strong against the elements. But they’re not just defenders; they’re also enhancers. They bring out the rich hues and intricate grains of wood, transforming it into a masterpiece. It’s not just about protection; it’s about unleashing the full potential of wood, ensuring it stays resilient, radiant, and ready for whatever challenges come its way!
The Wood Coatings Congress has been an established meeting place for wood coatings experts for over 20 years and takes place every two years for the 13th time this year. Participants and speakers come from the leading companies in the industry. The congress offers an overview of current developments and research for all areas of application, both indoors and outdoors.
What you can expect during the two-day congress:
- Interactive discussion groups
- Technical presentations on the following topics
1. Environment:
- Environmental impact analysis, Biocidal products regulations, Leaching of biocides, Bio-renewable raw materials, Indoor air emissions, Energy reduction, Eco-labelling
2. Technology:
- Nano-size materials, Radiation curing, waterborne, high solids, powder, Modified wood (chemical, heat, plasma), Wood composite materials, Hybrid Systems, Surface modification, Application and equipment
3. Performance:
- UV screening, Mechanical properties, Matting effects, Lignin stabilizers, Fire retardancy, Anti-fungal protection, Blocking
- Knot and tannin stain blocking, Adhesion, Permeability
4. Standards, Measurement & Instrumentation:
- CEN, ASTM initiatives, Laboratory exposure vs natural weathering, Round Robin testing, Service life prediction, High Throughput Research, Standards and tests reliability
Conference Schedule
To review the abstract of each talk, click on the i button next to the title.
Holzforschung Austria, Austria
Synthomer, Germany
Borchers, Germany
Lubrizol, United States
Hexion Research, Belgium
PRA, United Kingdom
IVM Chemicals, Italy
The sessions on the second day run in parallel! You can decide on-site which presentation you would like to follow and switch between the rooms depending on your interest.
bactologicum | Kiel University, Germany
Laboratory of Photochemistry and Macromolecular Engineering (LPIM), University of Haute-Alsace, France
Catas, Italy
Laboratory of Photochemistry and Macromolecular Engineering (LPIM), University of Haute-Alsace, France
LUM, Germany
Hoffmann Mineral, Germany
Holzforschung Austria, Austria
Spektrochem, Poland
Synthos, Poland
FCBA Technological Institute, France
EPS, The Netherlands
R&D Helios Resins, Slovenia
Allnex Belgium SA, Belgium
Fraunhofer Institute for Wood Research, WKI, Germany
Covestro, Spain
Evonik, Germany
NTI (The Norwegian Institute of Wood Technology), Norway
Holzforschung Austria, Austria
Speakers
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Thomas Bernhofer
Thomas Bernhofer studied coatings chemistry and technology at University Paderborn and graduated 1990 as Diplom-Chemieingenieur.He worked 22 years in different R&D positions in the paint manufacturing industry.
In July 2012 he joined Synthomer Deutschland GmbH as Technical Service Manager Coatings Europe
Thomas Bernhofer
He worked 22 years in different R&D positions in the paint manufacturing industry.
In July 2012 he joined Synthomer Deutschland GmbH as Technical Service Manager Coatings Europe
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Franco Bulian
Franco Bulian, a graduate in chemistry, is the general director of CATAS, the largest European laboratory in the wood and furniture sector. Franco Bulian is member of different national and international standardization committees and also author of several technical books.Since 2007, Franco Bulian has been a professor and the holder of the course “Furniture Materials and Technologies” in the Double Degree program (Master degree and Master of Science) at the University of Trieste and the University of Applied Sciences in Oswestfalen-Lippe (Germany).
Franco Bulian
Since 2007, Franco Bulian has been a professor and the holder of the course “Furniture Materials and Technologies” in the Double Degree program (Master degree and Master of Science) at the University of Trieste and the University of Applied Sciences in Oswestfalen-Lippe (Germany).
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Prof. Sophie Bistac
Sophie Bistac is a professor at the University of Haute Alsace, in polymer science. She notably studied surface and interface properties, for applications in composites, coatings and adhesivesProf. Sophie Bistac
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Prof. Maurice Brogly
Maurice Brogly is Professor at University of Haute Alsace in Mulhouse. His research is focused on surface and interface phenomena in polymers, coatings and composites materials and on their impact on adhesion and durability. Recipient of the Rolf Schubert Award of the Adhesion Society, associate editor of the Journal of adhesion, he is the author or co-author of 76 articles or book chapters, 60 invited conferences and 220 communications.Prof. Maurice Brogly
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Dr. Xavier Deruyttere
Xavier Deruyttere, Technical Service & Business Development Lead for the Architectural and Construction business at allnex, joined the company and the coating resin industry in 2007 and has been active in development and technical service since then.Based in Brussels, at the allnex center of expertise for radiation curing technology, he has been benefitting from the extensive know-how built
over the years, both in UV chemistry and application. Xavier has a background in Chemistry and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Ghent, Belgium.
Dr. Xavier Deruyttere
Based in Brussels, at the allnex center of expertise for radiation curing technology, he has been benefitting from the extensive know-how built
over the years, both in UV chemistry and application. Xavier has a background in Chemistry and holds a PhD in Organic Chemistry from the University of Ghent, Belgium.
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Dr. Boris Forsthuber
Boris Forsthuber works at Holzforschung Austria in Vienna and is head of the working group “surface science”. He studied wood science at the Univeristy of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna and material chemistry at TU Wien. His main working areas are wood coatings for interior and exterior applications. His work focusses on statistical and numerical modelling as well as printed electronics.Dr. Boris Forsthuber
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Dr. Gerhard Grüll
Dr. Gerhard Grüll is a wood technologist and has been working at Holzforschung Austria since 1996. Since 2024 he has been Director of the Institute. His work and research focus on wood surfaces and coatings, wood damage analysis and microscopy. His group is currently researching the durability of wood coatings for flooring, furniture and outdoor applications, printed electronics on wood, and the circular economy of wood products. Mr. Grüll is docent in wood surface technology at the University of Natural Resources and Life Sciences in Vienna, Austria, with teaching activities and supervision of academic theses.Dr. Gerhard Grüll
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Dietmar Helker
Dietmar Helker is the technical service manager for Borchers GmbH (subsidiary of Milliken & Company) in Langenfeld, Germany. He manages and leads all technical activities for Borchers: A Milliken Brand coating additives for the European coatings, inks, and adhesives industries. He has worked with Borchers coating additives for many years, previously serving as an R&D chemist, head of rheology, and technical sales representative. Other roles include chemist positions for J.W. Ostendorf (Hempel) and Stockmeier Urethanes as well as a sales manager for Biesterfeld Spezialchemie GmbH. Dietmar has received extensive training as a chemical laboratory technician along with a Bachelor Professional (CCI) of Chemical Technology and Operations.Dietmar Helker
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Dr. Ulrich Hundhausen
Dr. Ulrich Hundhausen (m) is senior researcher at NTI, specialized in wood protection with an emphasis on surface technology. He is member of standardization committees SN/K051 Surface protection and CEN/TC 175 WG 39 Specific user requirements – Fire retardant treated wood. In addition, Dr. Hundhausen is member of NBT (Nordic Association of Fire-retardant Treated Wood), and member of Working Group 4 “Sustainability and Durability” in COST CA20139 “Holistic design of taller timber buildings”.Dr. Ulrich Hundhausen
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Dr. Artur Palasz
Dr Artur Palasz is a chemist specializing in the synthesis of polymer dispersions as binders for latex paints and other raw materials for waterborne paints from the point of view of their application to obtain maximum performance in formulations. For almost 20 years, he has been managing the independent development laboratory, supporting external projects for leading raw material producers related to formulation development. He is a globally known expert in raw materials and formulations, author of numerous technical publications and research on raw materials, and a speaker at the most important global coatings conferences. In his free time, he is a creator of electronic music, a lover of bourbon and American motoring.Dr. Artur Palasz
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Miriam Peralta
Miriam Peralta graduated with a BS in Chemistry from the University of Alcalá de Henares and a Master’s in Paints and Coatings from Barcelona University. She also holds a postgraduate degree in Strategic Marketing from ESIC in Madrid. Joining Lubrizol Advanced Materials in 2010, she advanced to Global Building & Construction Marketing Manager in 2019, and in June 2024, became Global Innovation Market Manager for Resins and Polymers. Her career includes roles at Robert Bosch, Chesterton, and Sika, focusing on building materials and high-performance coatings.Miriam Peralta
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Dr. Laura Pilon
Dr Laura Pilon is a Senior Chemist and Quality Manager at the Paint Research Association. She has a background in polymer chemistry and an ongoing interest in sustainable chemistry and the circular economy. She has worked in R&D in a variety of industries including adhesives, packaging and paints and coatings.Dr. Laura Pilon
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Dr. Laurence Podgorski
Laurence Podgorski has a professorial thesis and a PhD in Wood Science and Polymers from the University of Lorraine, France. She is the coating expert at FCBA, the French Technological Institute for wood and furniture. She is responsible for research programmes in the field of wood protection. As a member of the European Committee for Standardization CEN/TC139/WG2 (exterior wood coatings) she has developed several standards for wood coatings including EN 927-6 (artificial weathering for wood coatings).Dr. Laurence Podgorski
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Susanne Reiter
Susanne Reiter (born 1978) trained as a chemical laboratory assistant at the Hoffmann Group. From 1999 to 2021, she worked in the application technology of HOFFMANN MINERAL with a focus on coating applications. In July 2021 she joined the sales department and is now responsible as Area Sales Manager for Benelux, Switzerland, Australia, New Zealand and Africa as well as for the German Coatings and Adhesive market.Susanne Reiter
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Dr. Claudia Schirp
Claudia Schirp is research scientist and deputy head of the Department for Binders and Coatings at Fraunhofer-Institute for Wood Research, WKI. After completion of her studies in in food chemistry at Technical University Braunschweig, she joined the Fraunhofer WKI in 2002 and finished her PhD in 2008. Her research focus is on polymerization of bio-based binders and flame-retardant wood coatings.Dr. Claudia Schirp
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Heike Semmler
Heike Semmler completed her studies of chemistry and coatings technology at the Fachhochschule Niederrhein in Krefeld, Germany in 1990. Since that time, she is working in the coating raw material industry in the field of paint additives. Today in Evonik Operations GmbH in the business line Coating Additives she is working in the Applied Research and Technology department. Here she is heading the market segment wood coatings for the EMEA region. She has published various articles.Heike Semmler
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Dr. Katrin Steinhauer
As a dedicated microbiologist Katrin Steinhauer is Managing Director of the microbiology testing laboratory bactologicum GmbH specialized in microbiology efficacy testing. She studied microbiology at the Philipps-University in Marburg and earned her Ph.D. at the Friedrich-Alexander University Erlangen-Nürnberg. With over 20 years’ experience in the disinfection and technical preservation business, Katrin Steinhauer was awarded in 2020 an honorary professorship for hygiene & medical technologies at the University of applied Sciences Kiel. Katrin Steinhauer is an active member of DIN (Deutsches Institut für Normung) and the convenor of Working Group 1 in the European Standardization Committee (CEN), responsible for drafting of European Standards (EN-Methods) for efficacy testing of chemical disinfectants and antiseptics.Dr. Katrin Steinhauer
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Dr. Danaja Štular
Dr. Danaja Štular obtained her PhD at Faculty of Natural Sciences and Engineering in Ljubljana, Slovenia in 2019. Her research focused on the use of stimuli-responsive microgels as smart textile coatings for controlled release of antimicrobial substances. After PhD, she worked at the Coatings laboratory at National Institute of Chemistry in Ljubljana. In 2022 she joined the R&D department of Helios Resins, where she covers the research work in the application laboratory and coating formulation development.Dr. Danaja Štular
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Dr. Eva Tejada Rosales
Dr. Eva Tejada studied Chemistry at the Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona. Afterwards she did a PhD in MaterialScience at the Spanish National Research Council. Since 2001 she is working in the coatings industry. In 2008 joined BayerMaterialsScience, now Covestro, where she is currently responsible for New Business Development for Industrial Wood Coatings. Since 2009, she is also professor at IQS- Universitat Ramon Llull for the postgrade studies on Coatings Technology.Dr. Eva Tejada Rosales
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Dr. Ludivine Augry
Ludivine Augry holds a PhD degree in nanomaterial science from INSA Lyon in France. She is R&D Researcher at the Applications Development lab of Hexion Research Belgium and has more than 10 years of experience in the development of waterborne/solventborne acrylic, vinylic binders for architectural coatings, construction and automotive coatings.Dr. Ludivine Augry
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Dr. Arnold Uhl
Arnold Uhl received his PhD in chemistry from Humboldt-University in 2001. His interest was in organic photochemistry. From 1999-2004 he worked in a company producing instruments for industrial process control and scientific research. In 2004 Dr. Arnold Uhl joined themarketing and sales department of LUM GmbH and was appointed Sales & Marketing Manager in 2009. The comprehensive understanding of complex industrial formulations and processes in an easy way, by using analytical instruments, inspires him during his daily work with customers around the world. In December 2015 he was appointed member of the board of directors of LUM (Changzhou) Instruments Co., Ltd. and in 2019 member of the board of directors of LUM (Jiangsu) Instruments Co., Ltd.
Dr. Arnold Uhl
marketing and sales department of LUM GmbH and was appointed Sales & Marketing Manager in 2009. The comprehensive understanding of complex industrial formulations and processes in an easy way, by using analytical instruments, inspires him during his daily work with customers around the world. In December 2015 he was appointed member of the board of directors of LUM (Changzhou) Instruments Co., Ltd. and in 2019 member of the board of directors of LUM (Jiangsu) Instruments Co., Ltd.
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Dr. Marcello Vitale
Dr. Vitale moved home twenty times, in eight urban areas in three countries on two continents. For now.He studied chemistry at Bologna and UC Santa Barbara. Working for Kodak and Ciba Specialty Chemicals, his focus has been on materials that interact with light from color negatives to photovoltaics to light tuning compounds that direct the growth of plants in greenhouses. Now, he is helping to develop the coatings for a sustainable future at IVM Chemicals near Milan.
Dr. Marcello Vitale
He studied chemistry at Bologna and UC Santa Barbara. Working for Kodak and Ciba Specialty Chemicals, his focus has been on materials that interact with light from color negatives to photovoltaics to light tuning compounds that direct the growth of plants in greenhouses. Now, he is helping to develop the coatings for a sustainable future at IVM Chemicals near Milan.
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Małgorzata Wac
Małgorzata Wac, R&D Expert in SYNTHOS SA. I have been working in the field of emulsion polymers for 14 years, with main focus on dispersions used in wood coatings. My research interests are multiphase polymers in colloidal systems.Małgorzata Wac
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Veronika Zeller
Veronika Zeller studied technical chemistry at TU Wien with a focus on analytical chemistry. She finished her studies with a masters thesis about the characterization and classification of epoxy molding compounds for the semiconductor industry using laser-based methods. Since June 2023, she works for Holzforschung Austria, where she is currently exploring the field of bio-based and sustainable coatings for wood and paper products in the framework of national and international research projects.Veronika Zeller
Audience
Attendance at the congress is important for technical, marketing, production and general management staff who are involved in the protection of wood. Raw material and equipment suppliers, paint formulators, end-users and participants from research institutions and academia from around the world are all potential beneficiaries of this unique, intensive two-day collaboration with like-minded experts.
Past attendees:
Adler-Werk Lackfabrik · Agfa-Gevaert · AkzoNobel · Alberdingk Boley · Alina · Allnex · Alpi · Anker Stuy Verven · Arkema · Armstrong World Industries · Arxada Troy Chemie · Asahi Kasei · Asian Paints · ASK Chemicals · Axalta · Banja Komerc Bekament · BASF · Basin Chemie · BCH Brühl · Benjamin Moore · Brekem Developpement · Beta Renowable · Betek Boya · Blackburn Chemicals · Blanchon · Blechwarenfabrik Limburg · Bogazici Universität · Borchers · Borregaard · BOSS Paints · Brenntag · Buckman Laboratories · BVBA Mohawk International · BYK-Chemie · C.H. Erbslöh · Cargill · Catas · CeNTI · Centria University of Applied Science · Chemical Dynamics · CH-Polymers Oy · CIN · Clariant · Codelpa · Covestro · Cromology · Daikin Chemical · Danish Technological Institute · DAW · Debal Coatings · Dörken Dow Chemical · Dow · Drywood Coatings · DYO Coatings · Eastman · Ece Boya · Ecoat · eco-INSTITUT · Eindhoven University · El-Mohandes · EMPA · EPS · Euticals · Evonik · FCBA · Finsa Financiera Maderera · Flügger · Forbo Eurocol · FPInnovations · Fraunhofer WKI · Frenchman coatings · Gebrüder Dorfner · Gebze Technical University · Georg-August-Universität · Grace · Helios · Hemel Boya · Herdins Färgverk · Hesse · Hexion · Hilti · Hoffmann Mineral · Holzforschung Austria · hubergroup · ICA · ICAP-SIRA · IGP Pulvertechnik · IHD · IMCD · Imerys Talc · Industrial Physics, Inks & Coatings · Industrias Ceresita · Initiatives Décoration · INL · Instrumental Polymer Technologies · IVM Chemicals · JOANNEUM RESEARCH · Jotun · JUB Kemicna Industrija · KANSAI HELIOS · Kastamonu Entegre · Kayalar Kimya · Kemica Coatings · Kiilto · Kneho-Lacke · Kompetenzzentrum Holz · Kronos · Kusumoto Chemicals · Lamberti · Lanxess · Lawter · Lehmann & Voss · LOBA · Lubrizol · Marschall Labs · MATERIA NOVA · Mendel University · Merck · Metadynea · MICHELMAN · Michigan State University · MIPA · Mitsubishi Chemical · Mocopinus · Montana Quimica · Münzing Chemie · N. Benasedo · NatureWorks · Nordic Building & Paint Labs · Norwegian Institute of Bioeconomy Research · Norwegian Institute of Wood Technologie · Nouryon Chemicals · Nowocoat Industrial · OBBIA · OLEON · OMNOVA · Organik Kimya · Overfladeteknik Coating Consultancy · Perma-Chink Systems · Peter Collins Coatings Consultancy · Pöyry Management Consulting · PRA World · Prime Top Industry · Procoquinal · Q-Lab Europe · Remmers Gruppe · Renner · Rewah · Robert Kraemer · Rütgers Organics · Saint Gobain · samMorell.com · SARTOMER · Sayer Lack Mexicana · SC Köber · Schattdecor · Shell Global Solutions · Sherwin-Williams · Shin-Etsu Silicones · SHR Timber Research · Sibelco · Sika · Sirca · Sishield Technologies · SPEKTROCHEM Coatings R&D Lab · Stahl Iberica · Surface Measurement Systems · Synthomer · Synthos · Technische Universität Bergakademie Freiberg · Teknos · Tennants Distribution · The Chemours Chemical · The Sansin Corp. · The University of Melbourne · Tianhe Resin · Tikkurila · Total Fluides · UHA Université de Haute Alsace · Umicore Specialty Materials · Université Laval · University of British Columbia · University of Ljubljana · Uzin Utz · Van Wijhe Verf · VELUX · Venator Materials · Vencorex · Vinavil · Vito · W.Heeren & Zoon · Wacker Chemie · Warsaw University of Technology · Woca · YKI Ytkemiska Institutet · Zschimmer & Schwarz
Location
Mercure Amsterdam City Hotel
Joan Muyskenweg 10
1096 CJ Amsterdam
The Netherlands
T +31 20 721 9176
H1244@accor.com
www.all.accor.com
Make yourself at home at the Mercure Amsterdam City, set in a convenient location at the Amstel river. In the hotel you find a relaxing bar, restaurant for lunch and dinner and 9 meeting rooms. A delicious breakfast buffet is served daily and the reception is open 24/7. Make use of the bicycle rental service or hop on a transfer to the heart of the city. All rooms are equipped with a comfortable bed, work desk, air conditioning and free WiFi. The Mercure offers a sauna and fitness.
Make your room reservation at the Mercure:
Please note that the hotel accommodation is not included in the registration fees.
We have secured a block of rooms with special rates:
170,00 EUR per night/per single room, incl breakfast, incl VAT + 12,70 EUR city tax
(Supplement to privilege room is € 20,- per night, double use supplement is € 25,- per night.)
Kindly contact the hotel directly (Nicky van Opijnen, +31 (0)20-7179528, nicky.vanopijnen@accor.com) and refer to the Wood Coatings Congress 2024.
Allotment until: 10th September 2024
Fees & Services
Standard fee (Early bird, available until 6th August 2024) | 1.240 € |
Standard fee | 1.425 € |
PRA Member fee (Early bird, available until 6th August 2024) | 1.050 € |
PRA Member fee | 1.240 € |
Congress speaker fee | 525 € |
Academic fee (Early bird, available until 6th August 2024) | 715 € |
Academic fee | 775 € |
Full-time students (up to the age of 25 ) | 0 € |
Stated conference fees are net prices. The Early Bird rate is available until 6th August 2024.
The fee includes:
- Congress Networking Dinner, lunches & coffee breaks
- Digital proceedings & list of delegates (via the congress app)
- Certificate of participation (upon request)
Hotel accomodation is not included in the registration fee.
Students who fail to turn up without notifying the organiser will be liable to pay penalty of 200€.
The booking is binding for you and will be charged even if you do not attend without canceling in advance.
For further information on our cancellation policy, please click here.
Impressions
Sponsors
Congress steering committee
Registration