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Corrosion Studies Get Boost from PPG

Wednesday, May 23, 2012

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Three University of Akron programs in corrosion and engineering will benefit this year from $25,000 in new grants from the PPG Industries Foundation.

The gifts continue a long-standing relationship between PPG Industries; its chemical plant in Barberton, OH; and the university.

PPG Industries

Students from the University of Akron’s “Corrosion Squad” Program learn about corrosion control on a visit to PPG Industries’ plant in Barberton, OH, where Mario Narbutaitus is senior project engineer.

The grants will benefit the following:

• The Corrosion and Reliability Engineering Program, housed in the College of Engineering, received $10,000 for its Corrosion Squad program, which provides students with hands-on research experience. The grant, made on behalf of PPG’s Optical and Specialty Materials segment, will aid students studying corrosion control and reduction in vessels and piping.

• The undergraduate corrosion engineering program—the only such bachelor’s degree in the nation—received $10,000 to cover sponsorship of a class project and student visits to PPG’s Ohio manufacturing facilities.

• The Women in Engineering Program, which provides programs and services that aim to recruit and retain women in engineering fields, received $5,000 sponsored by the Barberton facility. Plant manager Tom Meyer serves on the program’s advisory council. The funds will help cover general expenses for weeklong engineering summer camps for middle- and high-school girls.

Supporting the Next Generation

“PPG is strongly committed to supporting the communities where it has a presence, as well as supporting the development of the next generation of chemists and engineers, who will create tomorrow’s innovative technologies,” said Meyer.

“These grants will help advance knowledge and interest in engineering and related disciplines, while also providing students with learning opportunities that go beyond the classroom.”

Established in 1951, the PPG Industries Foundation supports education, human services, culture and arts, and civic and community affairs.

Corrosion Programs

UA developed the nation’s first Corrosion Engineering Program in 2010, along with the first undergraduate degree in Corrosion Engineering and Reliability. The university is also building a National Center for Education and Research in Corrosion and Materials Performance.

The programs have drawn strong corporate and government support. Most recently, a researcher with the corrosion engineering program was awarded more than $1 million to help study and assess Mexico’s pipeline corrosion issues.