Conferences

Citation

(2010), "Conferences", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 39 No. 2. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2010.12939bac.002

Conferences

Article Type: Conferences, training and publications From: Pigment & Resin Technology, Volume 39, Issue 2

Polyurethanes solving multiple automotive challenges relating to environmental and performance issues

Automotive Innovations Take Center Stage at Polyurethanes 2009 Technical Conference National Harbor, MD – “The global automotive industry is facing many tough new standards, market conditions and cost pressures, and polyurethanes appear to be the solution to many of these challenges,” said Steffen Bauer of KraussMaffei during the Advances in Automotive Processing Technologies technical session here this morning. “Flexible production and improved manufacturing processes are critical to expanding the integration of polyurethane and other plastics into automotive applications.” Bauer presented an overview of advanced processing options for integrating polyurethanes into more exterior, interior and under-the-hood automotive applications, while KraussMaffei colleague Jerry Phillips discussed a number of innovative post-processing technologies. The session also included two papers, by Cannon USA and DESMA, describing novel polyurethanes applications for insulating car passenger compartments from noise originating from the engine and from tire/road friction. “In a difficult year for the automotive industry, it was no surprise to see so many papers focusing on new applications and, of course, green innovations,” said Neeva-Gayle Candelori, Director of Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI), sponsor of the conference.

The Automotive Innovations session focused on polyurethane chemistry and materials science. Nippon Polyurethane opened the session with a paper on achieving significant reductions in interior surface material weight while improving smoothness, moldability and durability using spherical thermoplastic polyurethane powder. Woodbridge Foam and BASF presented research results on the effects of humidity on polyurethane foam, followed by a Dow Chemical presentation on new low-VOC polyurethane foam technology for helping to improve interior car air quality. BASF also gave an overview of polyurethane applications for improving the sealing characteristics in panel filters, keeping out airborne particulates.

Both renewable content sessions presented a wide range of advances relating to improved performance and reduced carbon footprints in automotive seating applications. The session processing innovations included several papers announcing time and performance improvements to various mixhead systems, and a paper by Graco explaining the many advantages of processing rigid, flexible and integral skin foams using their variable ratio pour foam proportioners.

CMAI opens registration for 25th Annual World Petrochemical Conference – The Dow Chemical Company to present keynote address

On March 23-25, 2010, Chemical Market Associates, Inc. (CMAI) will host its 25th Annual World Petrochemical Conference and Workshops in Houston, Texas at the Hilton Americas Hotel. This annual event boasts over 35 industry experts as speakers, consisting of respected industry leaders from companies all over the world complemented by CMAI product experts from its global offices. In addition, panel discussions will be held both days to create an environment for an open exchange of opinions regarding future market conditions. Workshops will be held March 23 followed by the two conference days on the 24 and 25. On the first day, the popular general session will focus on critical global challenges and opportunities for the chemicals, plastics, and fiber industries. Mr Juan Luciano, Senior Vice President-Hydrocarbons and Energy, Basic Plastics and Joint Ventures, The Dow Chemical Company, will provide the keynote address. Further defining the outlook for major chemical industry sectors, day two will include concurrent sessions for aromatics and fiber intermediates, olefins and polyolefins and chlor-alkali and related products. CMAI expects that total participation will be well over the 600 attendees that gathered for the 2009 event. Whether managing chemicals, plastics or fibers businesses, providing financial analysis, or developing capital plans, attendees consistently rate this conference as exceeding their requirements for a concise and connected analysis of future conditions. Given these uncertain times, participation in this annual event will provide attendees with a critical update on important future market dynamics. Important decisions hinge on a clear and concise vision of future market conditions, which is the core product of this annual event. Complementing the conference, CMAI will host two one-day workshops immediately preceding the conference on March 23, 2010. In its eighth year, the well-attended Petrochemical Industry Fundamentals Workshop is designed to effectively bring participants up to speed with language, concepts and key issues in the industry. Owing to high interest levels, CMAI will offer an advanced course, the Plastics and Polymers Industry Workshop, which is a one-of-a-kind opportunity to become more acquainted with the most relevant global market and production dynamics for the resin and fabrication businesses. These two workshops are designed and taught by CMAI industry experienced consultants, and are well-known as a solid venue for gaining a comprehensive view of the petrochemicals industry. Register on-line at: www.cmaiglobal.com or contact CMAI by Tel.: 1-281-531-4660, or Fax: 1-281-531-0995, e-mail: conferences@cmaiglobal.com. Room reservations should be made directly with The Hilton Americas-Houston. CMAI is the premier provider of Market and Business Advisory services offering a unique combination of consulting analytics and expertise for the global chemical, plastics, fibers, and chlor-alkali industries. With offices in Houston, New York, London, Dubai, Düsseldorf, Singapore, and Shanghai, CMAI has provided expert business advisory services to a broad base of companies across multiple value chains and geographies since 1979. Clients to CMAI services include chemical and oil companies, technology and EPC companies, banking and financial institutions, plastic converters, textile and apparel manufacturers, brand-owners, grocers/retailers, government agencies, and trading companies.

PNWSCT issues call for papers for NW Coatings Fest

The Pacific Northwest Society for Coatings Technology (PNWSCT) has issued a call for papers for its Northwest Coatings Fest Spring Symposium, May 12-14 at the Benson Hotel in Portland, OH. This year’s theme is “New technologies for emerging markets.”

For further information, please contact: Christine Stevens, Portland Section Chair, 935 NW 63rd St Seattle, WA 98107. Tel.: (503) 703-6263, e-mail: cstevens@pthutchins.com

Polyurethanes 2010 Technical Conference, in partnership with UTECH North America, Houston, TX, October 11-13, 2010

Deadlines

Papers:Abstract: March 1, 2010Completed paper: July 22, 2010PowerPoint presentation: September 1, 2010

Posters:Abstract: September 1, 2010

The Polyurethanes 2010 Technical Conference in conjunction with UTECH North America Exhibition will take place October 11-13, 2010 at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, Texas.

Each year, the CPI issues a call for papers and call for posters. Our technical conference is being specifically tailored to meet the detailed needs of manufacturers and processors of polyurethane-based products in all the key industrial sectors. The program format selected for this conference will be detailed presentations and posters describing the latest research and technical developments for all important industry sectors.

Papers and posters may address breakthrough technology in polyurethane markets or chemistry, developing markets such as medical or fiberboard, and product areas such as rigid foam insulation or coatings.

Paper presentations also may focus on environmental and product stewardship issues, including emissions, regulatory developments, waste management, and related topics. Criteria for technical papers include originality and relevance of the technology, effectiveness of the speaker and clarity of the presentation. Posters are judged on both technical and artistic merit. Paper and poster judges consist of industry veterans, subject matter experts and members of the media.

CPI regards a submitted paper and poster abstract as a commitment to present. If extenuating circumstances prevent the author, or one of the authors from making the presentation, it is the author’s obligation to find an alternate and notify CPI.

Authors whose paper proposals are accepted will be required to provide a paper for inclusion in the conference proceedings. Authors who do not submit a paper and the CPI copyright license form by July 22, 2010 will be withdrawn from the program and will not be allowed to present.

For more information, please contact: Tel.: (703) 741-5135, or visit the web site: www.americanchemistry.com/s_api/sec.asp?CID=1920&DID=7657

The 7th CHINACOAT Conference was a major success

The 7th CHINACOAT Conference, “Automotive finishes: focusing on the key aspects of durability and ecology,” was a tremendous success in terms of presentations and attendance. It was held November 16-17 and explored technologies for improving product quality and also focused on the issue of long-term product durability and ecology. Dip Dasgupta, who serves as Chairman of the CHINACOAT Conference Organizing Committee was extremely happy with the number of delegates participating in this year’s event. “We had approximately 90 attendees at the conference. During these difficult economic times attendance was normal,” he said.

The conference highlighted the problems and opportunities faced by the automotive coatings industry, which is more dynamic than ever. In the end, it was made clear that success in the automotive finishes market no longer hinges on large volumes but on sustainable performance. Reactions from the audience have been optimistic, according to Mr Dasgupta. “Feedback has been positive,” he said. “Attendees asked a lot of questions, which is always a good sign. The topic of automotive coatings is a vibrant and a very focused subject, which is why the papers presented were selected carefully.”

Next year’s conference, “Architectural coatings for a sustainable world,” scheduled for November 13-14, 2010, promises to be its equal.

“This conference will cover a range of new developments in the architectural coatings market, with particular emphasis on environmental sustainability,” said Mr Dasgupta. “It will bring together the major players in this market to discuss the future direction of the market and in particular the impact of current concern about environmental sustainability.”

“This assembly of professionals with shared interest provides a special opportunity for developing new working relationships as well as gaining a better understanding of market dynamics and a vas scope for innovation,” Mr Dasgupta added. “The conference is designed to have benefits for all the elements in the architectural coatings supply chain – from raw material suppliers to paint makers through to paint retailers, specifiers and architects.”