Speakers

Speaker's Biography 

Senior Technician in Analysis and Quality Control, specialising in Physical Materials Testing. More than 20 years of experience in the sector of construcction materials, with various functions of responsibility, R+D+i and technological promotion, being Technical Director of the materials laboratory of one of the most prestigious engineering companies in Spain in the field of road pavements, with national and international presence. Author and co-author of several technical/scientific publications on bituminous materials, and speaker at national and international congresses and conferences.

Case Study: Rehabilitation of the roof of the port of Tangier using 100 % pure hot polyurea Danocoat 250.

The Port of Tangier is a deep-water port inaugurated in 2007 and located on the side of the Strait of Gibraltar, some 40 kilometres from the city of Tangier, in Oued Rmel, in the north of Morocco. It is also very close to the Spanish city of Ceuta, 20 kilometres away. Its strategic location, at the point on the Moroccan coast closest to the Iberian Peninsula, makes it a key point on the maritime trade routes to Europe, America and, of course, Africa. This case study is about the rehabilitation of a deck type industrial roof, with rock wool and bituminous sheet with an aged mineral finish. After evaluating the structural capacity of the rock wool and the ageing of the bituminous sheet, this solution was installed based on a fully adhered system of 100% pure aromathic polyurea Danocoat 250 and a top coat aliphatic polyurethane.

Speaker's Biography 

Chemical Degree, University of Murcia in 1987.

5 years working in the sale of fluorinated polymers, Montedison, and polyesters, Total Group, 30 years in chemical distribution as responsible for Coatings, Construction and Polyurethanes in Iberia, Campi Y Jove, currently and since 2020, Segment Leader Coatings EMEA and Segment Leader PU Europe in Ravago Chemicals.

Case Study: Innovative Application of Polyaspartic Polyurea

This presentation will begin by comparing polyaspartic coatings with traditional polyurea, epoxy coatings, and polyurethane, highlighting the differences between them. It will then provide a detailed introduction to the reaction times between various types of hardeners and polyaspartic resins. Following this, the presentation will cover some applications of polyaspartic coatings, such as in anti-corrosion, windmill blade, flooring, waterproofing, and sealant. Finally, it will delve into the technical details of polyaspartic coating formulations, discussing factors that affect the pot life, how to extend pot life, and methods to improve the solid content. Some typical formula examples will also be showcased.

Speaker's Biography

Caroline M. Chambers became President, EMEA in January 2022. From August 2020 to January 2022, she was President, EMEA, and Executive Vice President, Information Systems. From June 2018 to August 2020, she served as Executive Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems. She also served as the Company's principal accounting officer from September 2007 to August 2020. From December 2013 until June 2018, she was Vice President, Corporate Controller and Information Systems. From April 2009 to December 2013 she was Vice President and Corporate Controller. She served as Vice President and Controller from December 2006 to April 2009. She served as Corporate Controller from October 2005 to December 2006 and Director of Information Systems from July 2003 through September 2005. Prior to becoming Director of Information Systems, she held various management positions in the internal audit and accounting departments. Prior to joining Graco, she was an auditor with Deloitte & Touche in Minneapolis, Minnesota and Paris, France. She joined the company in 1992. 

Speaker's Biography

Bachelor’s degree in chemistry and postgraduate courses in polymers (Institut Français du Pétrole & McGill University). More than 25 years of experience in the field of polymers in various companies and positions (technical and export sales). Xavier Cros joined Krypton Chemical about 17 years ago, where he has also held various responsibilities. Nowadays is the Technical Product Manager for the liquid applied waterproofing membranes.

Case Study : In Depth Review if Polyurea as a Gas Barrier

Polyurea coatings are permeable to gases despite being impervious to water and other liquids in general. The objective is to present some examples of real-world projects where polyureas have been applied as waterproofing membranes and also, at the same time, as a barrier to radon gas in foundations or to methane gas in waste digesters. Along with a discussion of the advantages and the drawbacks that polyureas offer compared to other cold liquid-applied coatings and prefabricated membranes for those types of projects.

Speaker's Biography

Piotr Dymek holds a degree from Wroclaw University of Science and Technology and an Executive MBA from Wroclaw University of Economics. He began his career in the automotive industry, where he spent 8 years before transitioning to Graco. Over the past 17 years at Graco, Piotr has held key roles in sales, including Business Development Specialist, and is currently a Product Marketing Specialist focusing on foam and polyurea equipment. His extensive experience in the spray foam and polyurea coatings industry has made him a trusted expert in the field.

Case Study: Advancements in Polyurea Spray Machine Technology: Enhancing Quality and Precision

Over the years, polyurea spray machines have undergone significant technological advancements, contributing to the improvement of spray quality and application control. This presentation will provide a brief history of polyurea spray machines, exploring how the industry started with early machines and evolved into today’s highly sophisticated systems.

Key developments such as the introduction of pressure sensors, temperature sensors, and flow meters have allowed for greater accuracy and consistency in polyurea application. Additionally, modern machines now feature advanced reporting options, offering real-time data to monitor and adjust performance.

One of the most impactful innovations is the separate hose heating system, which enables precise control of pressure and temperature for A and B materials, utilizing Auto Pressure Balance (APB) technology. This innovation allows operators to maintain optimal conditions, leading to higher-quality results in sprayed polyurea coatings.

This session will explore how these technological enhancements contribute to improved quality, consistency, and efficiency in polyurea applications, ensuring that the industry continues to meet the highest standards.

Speaker's Biography

More than 20 years, Gert have been in construction sector and had different jobs like, purchase manager, sales manager, sales director, member of board, CEO and business developer. Since 2017 he is the head of Estonian Polimaris OU and taking care of project leading, sales and application of polyurea systems.

Case Study : Polyurea Waterproofing Systems - An Overview of Modern Waterproofing Technology

Coming soon.

Speaker's Biography 

Coming soon.

Case Study: Application of Polyurea on a Cooling Tower of a Power Generator

This was a particularly demanding project that highlights our expertise and problem-solving capabilities. It required working with three shafts and a water supply pipe for a power generation company located outside Athens, covering an extensive area of around 2,000 m². When we were initially invited to assess the project and submit our proposal, it became apparent that the company lacked clear specifications. Upon being awarded the project, we undertook the comprehensive design ourselves.

The immediate challenges were daunting: access was restricted to the shafts, each measuring 17 meters deep. Implementing our plan required meticulous logistics, including constant movement of scaffolding and cranes for personnel, materials, and equipment to safely navigate through designated areas.

The successful completion of this project faced formidable challenges, including strict deadlines from the client, adverse weather conditions—with winter introducing low temperature delays—and the logistical requirement of moving operations across vast distances. Notably, we allocated an unprecedented 3-day curing period for the epoxy primer due to extreme cold.

Speaker's Biography 

Jörg Palmersheim leads as Secreatary General of ISOPA and ALIPA the industry associations since January 1st 2013. Jörg Palmersheim was born in 1962 in Brühl, Germany? After his graduation from high school, he joint BAYER AG in 1985 as a trainee and gained a Master of Business Administration. He also holds an Executive Master in international association management from Solvay Business School in Brussels. 

Under Jörg's leadership ISOPA and ALIPA successfully launched the digital platform for the training of the safe use of diisocyanates, the lighthouse project for the entire polyurethane industry in the EU, to the benefit of safety and health of millions of workers across Europe. He also conducted the establishment of ISOPA as an independent non-for-profit entity an drove the 10 year journey of advocacy on the REACH regulation on Diisocyanates. 

Presentation : Regulatory Update on Diisocyanates in the EU

Regulatory Update on DiisocyanatesDiisocyanates are respiratory sensitizers and therefore on the radar screen of the authorities at Member State level as well as European Level. The presentation provides an overview of the two files, which are already implemented, namely the restriction on diisocyanates and the Occupational Exposure Limit Value. Additionally we provide an outlook for the next 5 years including the expected REACH revision and the potential impact on diisocyanates.

Speaker's Biography

Graduated in 1997 from the Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (Barcelona) as a building engineer. Working as a construction execution coordinator in a local construction company, managing the purchase of materials, coordinating industrial work, and everything related to the execution of projects. At the same time, he was responsible for the execution management of private projects.In 2011 he began working at Tecnopol as a technical director, supporting sales agents, distributors and application clients, and coordinating the technical part and collaborating with the company's R&D department.

Case Study: Waterproofing of the Gabrovica railway viaduct

The presentation will explain the waterproofing of the concrete structure of a viaduct on which a train will circulate using a Tecnocoat P-2049 liquid polyurea membrane-based system.

Speaker's Biography 

Having been involved almost throughout his complete career in development of PU coatings, for the flooring, roofing and waterproofing markets, Stefan Priemen has almost 20 years of experience in formulating and developing polyurea systems.

In his current role at Huntsman, as a Technical Manager within the European Coatings Innovation team, he is responsible for the development of new coating products and systems to support existing and future customer projects.

Complimentary Education Course : "Introduction to Polyurea"

One of our most popular courses specifically designed for applicators and contractors. During this training, you will learn about physical properties of polyurea, application procedures, techniques and advances and types of equipment.

Speaker's Biography 

Born & studied in India, Dr. Dinesh Patel accomplished a Ph.D. in Polymer Science. He worked for various companies like Asian PPG Industries, Synpol Resin, etc. in their R & D and production department. Joined National Paints Sharjah in 2001 & is a NACE II Coating Inspector. Later he joined Bayer Middle East (now “Covestro”) as a Regional Technical Manager to support the Coatings Adhesives & Specialties (CAS) division. In 2014 inaugurated a lab in Dubai for enhancing technical support & train customers on Covestro products. About 28 years of experience in MEA & India.

Presentation : Aliphatic Polyurea & Their Versatile Application For Construction Coatings

Aliphatic polyurea represents a class of advanced polymeric materials characterized by their exceptional durability, flexibility, and resistance to environmental factors. This review explores the versatile applications of aliphatic polyurea in construction coatings, highlighting its superior performance compared to traditional materials. The primary objective is to analyze the benefits and practical implications of using aliphatic polyurea in construction, focusing on its mechanical properties, chemical resistance, and long-term UV stability. The study utilizes a comprehensive review of existing literature, coupled with experimental data, to evaluate the effectiveness of aliphatic polyurea in various construction scenarios. Key findings indicate that aliphatic polyurea coatings offer enhanced protection against UV radiation, moisture, and abrasion, making them ideal for both exterior and interior applications.  Furthermore, these coatings exhibit rapid curing times and can be applied at a wide range of temperatures, providing significant advantages in construction timelines and cost efficiency. The applications of aliphatic polyurea extend to waterproofing, corrosion protection, and aesthetic enhancements, demonstrating its versatility and potential to revolutionize the construction industry. The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that adopting aliphatic polyurea coatings can lead to more sustainable and resilient infrastructure. Future research should focus on optimizing formulations and exploring novel application techniques to further expand the utility of aliphatic polyurea in construction. By succinctly summarizing the key aspects of aliphatic polyurea and its applications, this abstract provides a clear and comprehensive overview for researchers, industry professionals, and stakeholders interested in innovative construction materials.

Speaker's Biography 

Alba Somoza holds a Bachelor's degree in Chemical Engineering (2017) and a Master's degree in Chemical Engineering and Bioprocesses (2019) from the University of Santiago de Compostela. She completed her Master’s thesis at Delft University of Technology, where she applied life cycle assessment methodologies to bio-PET production and explored innovative recycling techniques using ionic liquids.

In 2019, Alba began her PhD at the University of Santiago de Compostela, focusing on the use of ionic liquids to enhance existing industrial technologies. Her research spans several areas, including enhanced oil recovery (EOR), carbon capture, utilization, and storage (CCUS), fish waste valorization, and the development of personal and home care products.

During her academic career, she collaborated with CEPSA, published multiple papers in high-impact journals, and holds a patent for one of her formulations.

Currently, Alba works as a liquid waterproofing process specialist at Danosa, where she applies her expertise in chemical engineering to develop more sustainable and efficient solutions for the construction sector.

Case Study: Rehabilitation of the roof of the port of Tangier using 100 % pure hot polyurea Danocoat 250.

The Port of Tangier is a deep-water port inaugurated in 2007 and located on the side of the Strait of Gibraltar, some 40 kilometres from the city of Tangier, in Oued Rmel, in the north of Morocco. It is also very close to the Spanish city of Ceuta, 20 kilometres away. Its strategic location, at the point on the Moroccan coast closest to the Iberian Peninsula, makes it a key point on the maritime trade routes to Europe, America and, of course, Africa. This case study is about the rehabilitation of a deck type industrial roof, with rock wool and bituminous sheet with an aged mineral finish. After evaluating the structural capacity of the rock wool and the ageing of the bituminous sheet, this solution was installed based on a fully adhered system of 100% pure aromathic polyurea Danocoat 250 and a top coat aliphatic polyurethane.

Speaker's Biography 

Elisabeth has started her industrial career at Covestro in 2018 in the technology development department. She has been working in Sustainability at Covestro for four years, first in a corporate function and since November 2023 in Covestro's Coatings and Adhesives business entity. Elisabeth studied Chemistry at the University of Bonn where she also received a PhD in Organic Chemistry.

Case Study : Towards a sustainable and circular future – Covestro’s pathway and how customers benefit

Covestro is one of PDA's members and one of the major suppliers to the construction industry. Covestro is a leading producer of high-tech polymer materials and their components: innovative, sustainable and diverse. The company is committed to becoming fully circular and is striving to become climate-neutral - by 2035 (scope 1 and 2) and by 2050 (scope 3). In this session, Elisabeth will outline how the chemical industry can provide solutions towards a circular, climate-neutral economy and she will give concrete examples with their opportunities and challenges.