Mehdi Kargar with Maxterial

Industrial Talk is talking to Mehdi Kargar, CEO/Co-Founder at Maxterial, Inc. about "Innovative coating platform that significantly reduces corrosion".

Mehdi Kargar, founder of Maxterial, discussed the company's innovative coatings that replace hexavalent chromium, which is being phased out due to health and environmental risks. Maxterial's coating, tested in steel mills and hydraulic systems, offers superior durability, reducing downtime by up to 50% and improving energy efficiency by four times. The coating is manufactured using standard electrodeposition processes and existing chemical suppliers. Maxterial aims to create a scalable, cost-effective solution that meets regulatory deadlines and enhances industrial efficiency. The company's strategy includes building trust and partnerships with Outline

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Introduction to Industrial Talk Podcast

Scott reiterates the podcast's mission to celebrate industrial professionals and their contributions to solving global challenges. The introduction sets the tone for the episode, emphasizing the importance of innovation, collaboration, and problem-solving in the industrial sector. Scott introduces the guest, Mehdi Kargar, and the topic of discussion, which revolves around Maxterial and its innovative coatings solutions.

Mehdi Kargar's Background and Maxterial's Mission

Scott and Mehdi Kargar discuss Mehdi's background, including his immigration to America, education, and career path in engineering and entrepreneurship. Mehdi explains the founding of Maxterial in 2015, initially as a coatings company with a focus on non-stick coatings made of metals. The conversation shifts to Maxterial's evolution and its current focus on providing hexavalent chromium alternatives for industrial applications. Mehdi shares the story of how Maxterial received early-stage funding from Peter Thiel's foundation, which played a crucial role in their development.

Maxterial's Hexavalent Chromium Alternative

Mehdi elaborates on the challenges and importance of replacing hexavalent chromium, which is used in various industrial applications but poses significant health and environmental risks. He explains the regulatory deadlines for phasing out chromium, with the EU setting a 2027 deadline and the U.S. Army aiming for 2030. Maxterial's solution is described as a complex coating that offers wear and corrosion resistance, energy efficiency, and improved labor efficiency compared to traditional chromium-based coatings. Mehdi emphasizes the company's commitment to providing a scalable, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to chromium.

Manufacturing and Supply Chain Strategy

Mehdi details Maxterial's manufacturing process, which involves standard electrodeposition techniques using existing plating infrastructure. The company's supply chain strategy involves sourcing chemicals from various suppliers and providing them to end users through a licensing process. Mehdi highlights the benefits of Maxterial's approach, including reduced capital expenditures, compatibility with existing manufacturing settings, and the potential to create jobs in the U.S. The conversation touches on the challenges of convincing existing chromium suppliers to adopt Maxterial's solution and the importance of building trust with end users.

Quality and Testing of Maxterial's Coatings

Mehdi discusses the quality of Maxterial's coatings, emphasizing their performance in rigorous test