RubberChem 2004 program planned.

RubberChem 2004, the fourth international rubber chemicals, compounding and mixing conference, will take place November 9-10 in Birmingham, U.K. RubberChem 2004 is organized by Rapra Technology Ltd.

This conference allows producers of raw materials to introduce new materials to the industry and to discuss the advantages in both economic and technological terms for the range of elastomers in use.

The conference will begin with an overview of rubber breakdown products by Rapra, with Kumho then describing the environmental challenges laced by the industry.

Leading chemical manufacturers will describe the material and process advances made in vulcanization and anti-aging agents (including presentations from Lake Chemicals & Minerals, Rhein Chemie, Du Pont Dow Elastomers, Lanxess-Bayer and Oxido Metal), fillers (with presentations from Schill & Seilacher, Loughborough University and Imerys Minerals) and processing agents (featuring presentations from Schill & Seilacher, Gummi Kraiburg and Uth GmbH). Rhein Chemie will also aoutline how management of chemicals can improve compounding economics.

The program will also offer discussion on formulating for engine mounts (with a presentation from Technion IIT), aqueous environments (including a presentation from TRP Sealing Systems) and tread compounds (with a presentation from Teijin Twaron).

RubberChem 2004 will also include a tabletop exhibit. Further information on registering and exhibiting at RubberChem 2004 is available from Rapra's Conference Department, tel.: [phone]; fax: [phone].