EMU Today

YPSILANTI – Vijay Mannari, a coatings professor in the School of Engineering Technology in the College of Technology at Eastern Michigan University, has received a United States patent for his work in the corrosion resistance of coatings.

The patent, issued on November 6, 2018, is the University’s 29th United States patent and is Mannari’s sixth with Eastern and the second in a series of related patents. The patent was announced at the regular meeting of the Eastern Michigan University Board of Regents on April 23, 2019.

US Patent No. 10,118,986 was awarded for Mannari’s work in developing corrosion-resistant polyepoxysilane coatings and the methods for preparing them. The coatings provide corrosion resistance for many substrate materials, including aluminum.

Mannari joined the Polymers and Coatings Program at Eastern in 2002, and has established a rigorous research program primarily focusing on environmentally friendly polymeric materials for development of advanced coatings. His work has included developing high-performance coatings for the U.S. Military.

In 2013, he was awarded the 2012 Ronald W. Collins Distinguished Faculty Award - Research II, one of Eastern’s highest academic honors.

“This patent is the latest example of Dr. Mannari’s exceptional work at Eastern,” said Mohamad Qatu, dean of the College of Technology. “It is a remarkable achievement, and serves to reinforce our reputation as a national leader in coatings and polymers research.”

Eastern Michigan’s Office of Research Development and Administration (ORDA) assisted Mannari in his grant application and grant management processes, and the University’s Technology Transfer Office administered the patent application process.

The Coatings Research Institute at Eastern Michigan University was founded in 1985. The facility is widely recognized as a leading academic-based institute dedicated to the development of relevant scientific knowledge for understanding and expanding the science and technology of polymers, coatings, paints, inks, adhesives and related nano-based materials.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is the federal agency for granting U.S. patents and registering trademarks.

For more information, visit the Eastern Michigan Coatings Research Institute Homepage and the College of Technology website.

About Eastern Michigan University

Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 18,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Health and Human Services; Technology, and its graduate school. EMU is regularly recognized by national publications for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website.