Conference puts latex in the spotlight

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Mar 28, 2005

The Fourth International Conference on Natural and Synthetic Rubber Latex will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 24th and 25th January 2006.

The Fourth International Conference on Natural and Synthetic Rubber Latex will be held in Frankfurt, Germany, on 24th and 25th January 2006.

Latex is used in fields as diverse as gloves, condoms, adhesives, building and construction products, inks, drug delivery systems, paper coatings, textile treatment, leather finishing, polishes, films, paints, medical assay kits, carpet backing, and cosmetics.

It is also used to alter properties of other materials - examples include impact modification of polystyrene and improvement of tensile properties in cement.

Latex is currently undergoing extensive research and development as a replacement for many solvent-based systems.

There are still ongoing concerns about allergy to natural rubber latex proteins and skin reactions to residual rubber chemicals, particularly in the healthcare industry.

Rapra aims to bring together researchers, manufacturers and technologists in industry and academia, with a common interest in latex applications and technology.

This is an excellent opportunity to network with experts in this field.

The conference scope includes both synthetic and natural rubber latex materials and additives, as well as developments in manufacturing, applications and markets.

Papers are invited on developments in: latex materials and properties; additives; applications; processing; issues; standards and regulations; and market trends.