The European Center for Dispersion Technologies (EZD) has been growing steadily since its foundation ten years ago. At the beginning of 2023, two new research groups on reactive and colloidal systems were founded as part of the expansion of the EZD. So far, these have been headed provisionally by EZD branch office manager Dr.-Ing. Felipe Wolff-Fabris, but now two group leaders have been appointed.

EZD branch office manager Dr.-Ing. Felipe Wolff-Fabris (center) with the two new group leaders at the EZD, André Nogowski and Dr. Natascha Kuhl. (Photo: EZD)

Two new research groups on reactive and colloidal systems

The Colloidal Systems group has been headed by André Nogowski since March 1, 2024 and the Reactive Systems group by Dr. Natascha Kuhl since July 1, 2024. As a research unit of the EZD, the two research groups in the technology center at the Selb site cover a broad spectrum of different dispersion processes from the laboratory scale to the pilot scale. With the extensive machinery, almost every (dispersing) process from wetting and homogenization to real size reduction can be mapped using an agitator bead mill. 

With the expansion of the EZD to include a laboratory for surface coating and characterization, as well as a dispersion pilot plant, coatings can be applied to substrates using a variety of methods (such as spray painting, powder coating and digital printing), and the characterization of coated surfaces can be carried out. Likewise, evaluations of coating materials and inks with regard to processability and final properties can be carried out and industry-related research on paints, varnishes and inks can be expanded up to the 100-liter scale. 

The research group Colloidal Systems
In addition to dispersing and optimizing the dispersing process, the group focuses on the formulation and characterization of colloidal suspensions. Colloidal suspensions are mixtures in which small particles are distributed in a liquid without dissolving in it. Not only established offline measuring methods are used to establish correlations between material and product properties and the manufacturing process, but also online and atline methods. Typical material systems are paints, varnishes, coatings and inks, but also ceramic slurries or battery suspensions. 

“I am very pleased that we were able to fill the position of Group Leader Colloidal Systems with an experienced SKZ employee with extensive experience in project acquisition and processing from our own ranks. André Nogowski has all the prerequisites to massively develop the Colloidal Systems Group,” says Wolff-Fabris. André Nogowski adds: “I look forward to working with my colleagues, but also to the intensive exchange of experiences and diverse collaborations with industry partners and customers. We have such an exciting and broad range of tasks ahead of us – with our portfolio, we address users from all sectors, from A for automotive to Z for zero-emission technologies.”

The Reactive Systems research group
The group's main focus is on research and development for the formulation of innovative reactive systems that are used in various applications such as coatings, adhesives and resins. The research group is involved in the formulation and characterization of adhesives and potting compounds, but also in the development of UV coating systems for coating plastics, where the aspect of sustainability is playing an increasingly important role. The team supports companies in the testing, analysis, optimization and development of innovative products and processes and advises interested companies on the application of reactive systems. In addition to material testing and quality control of coatings, adhesives and resins, the group also focuses on the development of sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions that meet industry and regulatory requirements. 

“With Natascha Kuhl, we have been able to fill the position of group leader of Reactive Systems with an employee who has in-depth chemical knowledge and experience in project acquisition and processing. In addition, Natascha Kuhl has extensive expertise in biobased polymers, which is of great importance for the further development of the Reactive Systems group,” says Wolff-Fabris. ‘I look forward to working with my colleagues to develop new solutions that not only promote scientific innovation but also advance practical applications in industry,’ adds Natascha Kuhl. 

Further information on EZD