>> Karen Parker, editor-in-chief
FROM THE EDITOR
Susan Sutton served as Editor-in-Chief, Integrated Media, of ASI magazine for many years. If you wish to send a letter to the editor, please contact Tom Fowler at fowlert@bnpmedia.com. Letters may be edited for space and clarity.
Spring Forward with New Products, New Courses, and New Chemistry
It is March now, and here on the East Coast, where we have had more than our fair share of snow this year, I am beginning to feel hope that the weather will warm, and crocus will bring that first flash of spring color to my garden. As with most months of March, this issue of ASI features raw materials and chemicals, including our annual raw materials roundup. This article lists some of the new technologies made available to adhesive and sealant formulators over the past year, which is appropriate for spring. And of course, it is always good to keep up to date with the latest tools that help you develop the right formulation for customers' needs.
Speaking of tools, I want to make readers aware of educational opportunities ASI is offering this year. Our ASI Academy is running four virtual short courses in 2026. The first one, taking place on March 18, 2026, is "How to Formulate New Products." Taught by Paul Lewis, industry veteran and president of consulting company E2C, this course will take attendees through the complex process of developing new products. People new to research and development methodologies will learn useful tips and tricks, and experienced formulators and lab managers will be given advanced-level advice. Visit our website and select the "Events" dropdown from the top navigation bar to register for this course.
Other courses offered by ASI Academy this year include "How to Formulate & Test PSAs," which takes place June 17, 2026; "How to Formulate & Test Sealants," which takes place September 23, 2026; and "Debonding," which will take place December 9, 2026. These courses offer important training for those of you who are new to the adhesive and sealant industry, as well as a chance for long-time professionals in the field to hone their skills and learn new things. Make sure and secure your spot early for these valuable short courses.
Scientists at Rice University have discovered how tiny molecular structures on industrial catalysts behave when manufacturing vinyl acetate monomer. The research revealed how molecular palladium-acetate trimers and dimers change during reaction conditions, controlling catalyst performance. This knowledge could lead the way to catalyst designs that use less energy and reduce carbon emissions, which would make the production of vinyl acetate monomer cleaner and possibly more reliable. Tune in to our podcast, Bonding with ASI, to learn more about this and other research that impacts our industry.
The additional stories featured in this issue of ASI include an article by equipment supplier Ossila about the use of spray coating for adhesive application in an advanced manufacturing setting. We are also featuring the upcoming ASC Convention and EXPO with an article about the keynote speakers for the event, an article about adhesive use in assembly, and a research review of new chemistry developed by researchers in Japan that could enable a new generation of recyclable industrial adhesives.
Thanks for reading. Please contact me at parkerk@bnpmedia.com with your comments and questions.