Blowing Agents and Foaming Processes Conference

31-Jul-07

Smithers Rapra Technology, a subsidiary of the US-based independent testing, consulting and contract research organisation, The Smithers Group, is pleased to announce the next Blowing Agents and Foaming Processes Conference, to be held in Berlin, Germany, from 20-21 May 2008. Now in its tenth year this conference has become firmly established in the plastics community as the meeting place for processors, material suppliers, academics and end users to exchange ideas and keep up to date with developments in this fast growing niche of the polymer sector. Recent changes in the foam blowing industry have been largely driven by environmental legislation - whether concerns over consumer safety, atmospheric protection or solid waste disposal and recycling. In their primary applications in consumer products, (such as cushioning for furniture and automobiles, thermal insulation for construction and packaging) polymer foams are being continually enhanced to replace dense solid polymers, reducing weight and costs. Indeed strict energy regulations in most European countries have boosted the use of polymer foams in building and construction, automotive and aerospace sectors where foamed plastics are recognised for their performance and processing advantages as well as the obvious cost and weight savings. Nevertheless providing environmentally sound and cost effective foam solutions continues to be a constant challenge. This conference is dedicated to the critical role of blowing agents in foamed plastics and rubber and will include, amongst other things, commercial polymeric foams and their applications, their technologies and future industry trends. The conference provides an opportunity and platform to present your research and product or process developments in this area to an influential and informed audience. Papers are now being invited for submission on any of the following areas: " Blowing agents and gases " Latest material and process advances " New aspects on commodities " New information on introduced processes " New technologies and applications " Economical and market information " Foamed polymers and legislation " Industry and environmental issues " Biodegradable foam substrates " Nanotechnology