Conference is dedicated to foamed materials

Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team Dec 12, 2005

Rapra Technology is bringing together the world experts on blowing agents and foaming processes at an international conference in Munich, Germany, on 16th and 17th May 2006.

Foamed materials are being enhanced to replace dense solid polymers, reducing weight and costs.

In Europe alone the value of the foams market has been projected by Freedonia to reach Eur 6.7 billion by 2011 with around half of this being used in the building and construction market with drivers such as energy conservation legislation.

The aerospace and automotive sectors are under pressure to reduce weight and increase safety - foam materials can assist with both of these objectives and there is good potential for growth in these markets.

Chemical and environmental legislation is constantly changing and the foams industry is adapting to meet demands.

There are pressures to change to more environmentally-friendly blowing agents and issues of foam recycling.

Research and development is the key to moving forwards with new applications and to meeting the stringent regulations on all industries today.

Rapra Technology is bringing together the world experts on blowing agents and foaming processes at the Eighth International Conference, to be held at the Marriott Hotel in Munich, Germany, on 16th and 17th May 2006.

There are sessions on: innovations in blowing agents; polyolefin foams (including the effects of additives on foaming); PU foam; biodegradable foams; overviews on cellular PVC and PEBAX foams; injection moulding and extrusion technology; and methods of studying the foaming process.

Speakers come from the major players in industry and universities across Europe and North America.