EZD in Selb expands course portfolio

The European Center for Dispersion Technologies (EZD), a facility of the SKZ Plastics Center, is an interdisciplinary research and technology transfer center that focuses on the production and characterization of dispersions. The areas of application for dispersions include paints and coatings, inks, nanocomposites, battery suspensions, adhesives, and matrices for fiber composites. In addition to research and development, the EZD also focuses on continuing education and knowledge transfer.

Practical learning – theory meets practice
For beginners, the basic course “Dispersion and Characterization of Suspensions” offers a solid foundation with theoretical content on the functional principles and areas of application of various dispersion processes, as well as practical application in the context of a case study.

The new classroom course “Production and optimization of dispersions with agitator ball mills” in cooperation with NETZSCH Feinmahltechnik GmbH provides in-depth knowledge on the grinding and dispersion of micro- and nanoparticles using agitator ball mills, the optimization of process parameters, and scale-up strategies.

In cooperation with Anton Paar Germany GmbH, LUM GmbH, and Nanoinitiative Bayern GmbH, the course “Color and Pigment Dispersions” is also offered. Participants benefit from professional exchanges with experts from industry and research and learn about practical characterization methods and the latest developments in process engineering for the energy-efficient production of color and pigment suspensions. “The dispersion of pigments is a crucial step for color quality, stability, and processing properties—those who understand the interactions between particles, binders, and additives can optimize formulations in a targeted manner,” says André Nogowski, group leader for colloidal systems at EZD.

The EZD’s practice-oriented classroom courses are characterized by intensive exchange between experts and participants – a central component for sustainable learning and professional networking. In addition, the EZD also offers specialized online courses that make compact expert knowledge accessible conveniently and independently of location.

Online courses: convenient continuing education from the office or home office
The live online course “High-Viscosity Inkjet Inks” offers comprehensive insights into the formulation and characterization of high-viscosity inkjet inks. Participants learn about the requirements for modern inkjet inks and receive practical instructions for stabilizing and optimizing the inks. There is a special focus on rheological characterization and particle size determination to ensure the printability and quality of the inks.

“In our online courses, participants have the opportunity to analyze individual questions together with us and develop practical solution strategies,” says Dr. Natasha Kuhl, group leader for Reactive Systems at EZD. “This results in a transfer of knowledge that flows directly into daily work and contributes to the optimization of processes,” says Kuhl.

The live online courses at EZD are characterized by a close integration of theory and practice. In addition to the course on inkjet inks, the course “Filled Resin Systems” offers in-depth training for specialists involved in the targeted modification of resin formulations. The focus is on applications such as adhesives, casting compounds, and functional reactive coatings. Participants benefit from in-depth expertise on the formulation and dispersion of micro- and nanoscale particles and the characterization of the systems. Modern process technologies are presented that enable energy-efficient processing and specifically influence the final properties of the resins.

In order to provide targeted support to international specialists and managers, the EZD also offers the proven basic course in English and as a live online format. The “Compact Course on Dispersion Technology and Characterization” provides an easy introduction to the subject and gives a concise overview of various dispersion processes and methods for characterizing suspensions. The EZD is thus expanding its continuing education offerings with a flexible and globally accessible learning opportunity.

Individual training courses – flexible, modular, and tailored to your needs
With individual company-specific training courses, companies and research institutions can flexibly combine the content, scope, and location of the training – whether at the EZD in Selb, directly at the company, or online. The modular training system includes both basic and advanced modules and covers a wide range of topics: from dispersion processes and process additives to rheology and particle size determination to color and sedimentation analyses. The aim is to sustainably increase efficiency in the formulation, manufacture, and characterization of a wide variety of products, such as coatings, inks, battery materials, and adhesives.

“Our training courses are highly practical, scientifically in-depth, and immediately applicable,” says Dr. Felipe Wolff Fabris, site manager of the EZD in Selb. “Through the close integration of research, development, and continuing education, we strengthen the transfer of knowledge between science and industry, thereby making an important contribution to the innovative capacity of companies,” says Wolff Fabris.

Further information on the courses offered by the EZD