Dr E. Ramanathan PhD, Practitioner & Mentor in Surface Coatings | Nanotech Researcher
Never forget your mentor. Behind every successful career, there is always a guiding hand.
At the outset, I am Grateful to my mentors, colleagues, and clients who shaped my path—from Addisons Paints to PhD in Nanocoatings and now contributing to the paint industry nationally. The journey continues.
My journey in the coatings industry began in 1986, when I joined Addisons Paints and Chemicals Ltd. as a Development Chemist. Over the years, I held various technical positions, contributing to the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) – Paints and Chemicals Division, and serving as Management Representative for quality circles and ISO activities. My role also took me across India, supporting automotive industries with technical services, before concluding my tenure in 2000 as Deputy Chief Chemist.
Gratitude to Mentors and Colleagues
At Addisons, I was fortunate to be guided by Mr. Sargunesan, Mr. Santhanam, Mr. K. S. Ramachandran, Mr. P. D. Ramabadran, Mr. Balakrishnan, Mr K. R. Chidambaram and Mr. R. Srinivasan. Alongside them, I had wonderful friends—Giri, Nandakumar, P. N. Venkatasubramanian, Sampath, Bhaskar—and dedicated colleagues such as Chandrakumar and Unnithanathan, whose encouragement and camaraderie shaped my foundation in paints and coatings.
Equally, my heartfelt thanks go to the dedicated labour force, including Chandrakumar, Unnithanathan, and many more, whose affection, hard work, and constant challenges pushed me to grow as both a professional and a person.
These early experiences shaped my journey, instilled discipline, and taught me that true learning in surface coatings comes from people, practice, and persistence.
Research, Consulting, and the Nanocoating Path
The next phase of my career combined consulting and research. Encouraged by my college-mate Dr. Rajasekar (TI Groups) and Mr. Narayanan (Henkel Chemicals) I pursued a PhD in Nanocoating Materials under the guidance of Dr. S. Balasubramanian, University of Madras. This research journey was strengthened by the support of Dr. Ram, Dr. Ezhilarasu, and Dr. Abiraman, alongside the trust of my industrial clients viz., Welbro Paints (Mr. Vargheese), Sun Chrome Paints (Mr Sankara Narayanan), High Tech Paints, Limenaph chemicals, Chennai paints, Galaxy Hightech paints, Five star coatings, Indian Oil Corporation – drum division, Chennai petrochemicals ltd, Manali, Wittur Elevators Ltd, Vitraquim lubrication oil ltd, Mexico, Vitracoat America Inc, and Frilco industries, Mexico, etc. who allowed me to balance consulting with research.
Industry Recognition and Continued Service
Recently, I was introduced by Mr. Babu and Mr. Chandrasekar to the India Paint Association, Tamil Nadu Chapter, where I now serve as a technical consultant. This recognition is a milestone that connects my industry roots with present contributions.
I owe immense gratitude to my clients and well-wishers—Arpita, Gokul, Prakash, Deensha and many others—for their continuous encouragement and trust. From paints to nanomaterials, from plant visits to academic research, every step has been shaped by the people who believed in me.
Looking Ahead
From formulating paints in the 1980s to exploring advanced nanomaterials today, the journey has been one of continuous learning, adaptation, and contribution. The coatings industry has given me not just a career but a community, and I remain committed to advancing its growth through research, consulting, and collaboration. Today, as I reflect on this four-decade journey, I remain committed to advancing the coatings industry through innovation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing. The journey continues….. , with your support, my dear Friends!
My PhD Journey
Surface Coating Technology Conference
B2B Meeting
Prism Coatings
Saitechinfo STEM Seminar
