Overview of Research Interests

The research of Professor Baghdachi’s group is focused on the creation of new materials, rational design, and formulation, preparation of polymers, coatings, adhesives and composite systems. Design and preparation of current interests include conventional and nanotechnology-based automotive, industrial and aerospace coatings, smart materials: Stimuli-responsive, anti-microbial, re-mendable, self-healing, and self-stratifying, corrosion and high temperature resistant polymers and coatings.  The focus on the coatings area is on design and formulation of environmentally friendly coatings: Waterborne, UV-cure, powder and high solid coatings.  

Fundamental studies are aimed at understanding the adhesion and corrosion phenomena and practical methods of improving adhesion to a wide variety of surfaces and improving corrosion resistance of metals used in industry. Further investigations aimed at understanding and accessing durability and service life of polymers and coatings, the role and interactions of ingredients and methods of enhancing coatings durability. 

Short Bio:

Over 20 years of prior industrial R&D and management experience. He is the author and co-author of 41 patents and 102 publications including 4 technical professional books and is a frequent speaker for professional organizations both nationally and internationally.  He has been an active consultant for the industry for the past 25 years and conducts training courses and workshops in all aspects of polymers and coatings. 

Selected Publications:

• Baghdachi, J. Provder, T., “Smart Coatings,” Smart Coatings II, ACS Symposium Series 1002, 2009.
• Baghdachi, J. Provder, T., “Smart Coatings,” Smart Coatings I, ACS Symposium Series 957, 2007.
• Baghdachi, J., Clemans, D., Xu, Q., “Evaluating Antimicrobial Activities of Surface Coatings,” American Chemical Society, Symposium Series, 957, 2006.

Most Recent Invited Presentations:

• Roon Foundation Award, 1st place 2009, Federation of Societies for Coatings Technology
• Keynote Lecturer, U.S. Army Corrosion Summit, Clearwater, Fl, February 3-5, 2009.
• FSCT, Distinguished Lecturer 1999-present
• Keynote Lecturer, ASME/STLE, October 20, 2008. 
• Keynote Lecturer, SATER, Buenos Aires, Argentina, Septembre 8, 2004.
• Society of Automotive Engineers, “Distinguished Paper” Annual Congress, 1999.