World Conference on Polymers in Defence & Aerospace Applications to be held in Toulouse

SHROPSHIRE, UK (April 25, 2007) --[ASDWire]-- Rapra Technology, a subsidiary of the US-based independent testing, consulting and contract research organisation, The Smithers Group, is organising a new conference in Toulouse on 18-19 September 2007 bringing together the international polymer industry and the defence and aerospace supply chains to discuss new polymer materials, applications and future requirements.

The conference covers a broad range of subjects presented by some of the world’s leading authorities and organisations, boasting a panel of speakers from organisations such as BAE Systems, DuPont Performance Elastomers, QinetiQ, NASA, AWE, Victrex and AGC Chemicals Europe.

A significant part of the conference is devoted to presentations detailing composites, nanocomposites and their novel applications. The conference also covers many of the other key novel polymers, processes and applications, including high temperature thermoplastics, elastomers and rubbers.

The conference will open with a paper from Dr Dan Kells, Head of Material Sciences at BAE Systems’ Advanced Technology Centre in the UK describing their research activities in high performance polymers and composites. In his presentation, Dr Kells will take a close look at the evaluation and modelling of polymer matrix composites subject to blast and ballistic events, enhancements in damage tolerance using 3D fibre reinforcements and nanocomposites and a determination of paint layer fatigue limits for life cycle management and corrosion protection.

There follows a number of papers on nanocomposites including research conducted by NASA into the thermal conductivity of ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer/ carbon nanofiller blends and a paper from Hybrid Plastics on the nanoscopically controlled polymer containing gadolinium atoms for shielding against radiation. A selection of novel polymer systems will be explained during the afternoon, with one notable example being an electrically conductive shape memory polymer with anisotropic electro-thermo-mechanical properties presented by Nanyang Technological University in Singapore. Shape memory polymers (SMPs) possess huge potential for many applications, for instance morphing unmanned aviation vehicles, however thermo-responsive SMPs are intrinsically electrically non-conductive. Their (often problematic) fabrication and characterisation process will be reported in this paper.

Day one concludes with a tour of the nearby Airbus A380 site enabling delegates to see first-hand the assembly process of the spectacular super jumbo and its testing stations. Conference delegates will be invited to view the world’s largest aeronautical plant in operation and will then reconvene at the conference venue for a networking drinks reception.

The second day’s proceedings begins with a series of papers on developments in elastomers and rubbers for aerospace and defence applications. DuPont Performance Elastomers will discuss the compatibility of selected fluoroelastomers and perfluoroelastomers with standard and higher thermo-oxidative stability oils, in an effort to design more robust sealing systems for jet oils for long life engines. Dr Marek Gnatwoski of Polymer Engineering Company will follow with what promises to be a fascinating paper on the use of novel nylon/halogenated butyl rubber blends in protection against warfare agents.

The afternoon continues with presentations on polymerisation, compound and elastomeric modified ETFE from AGC Chemicals Europe Ltd and developments in PEEK™ process technology from Victrex plc. The first of two important papers from AWE plc on the life-time prediction and assessment of metal-polymer laminates assesses three adhesives for their suitability for use in laminate systems commonly used in the aerospace industry. The paper describes a five-year ageing programme that has been conducted at both ambient and elevated temperatures to evaluate the different adhesive types. A combination of FTIR, optical microscopy, T-Peel test and HPLC were also used to test their resistance to organic solvent vapour. The results of this programme will be reported at the conference.

A final session on Polymer Processes and Applications includes work undertaken by QinetiQ into the role of polymeric materials for effective structural damping. Acoustic noise and vibration reduction for all forms military platforms has played a vital part of achieving acoustic stealth either for covert effectiveness in an operational environment, for meeting emerging EU regulations concerning hearing protection for military personnel or for reducing the problems associated with structural fatigue. The paper will explain how the polymer mechanical properties influence the choice of conventional technologies and how they are being used in some emerging and unconventional structural damping methods.

All registrations made before 18th July 2007 will receive a €200 discount off the full conference fee.

Contacts for further information:
To request conference information please contact Sharon Garrington, Conference Organiser sgarrington@rapra.net and view forthcoming conferences at www.rapra.net/conferences 


About The Smithers Group Inc:
Smithers Scientific Services is the oldest of the Smithers Group. Established in 1925 as an impartial testing ground for the tyre industry, the company has evolved into a multi-discipline, independent testing, research and consulting firm. It serves a global client base in the rubber and plastics industries and throughout the automotive supply chain. The company has locations in Ohio, Michigan, South Carolina and Texas. www.smithersscientific.com

Smithers Quality Assessments was established in 1993 as an accredited third-party registrar providing quality and environmental management system certification services to ISO 9001, ISO 14001 and related standards to manufacturing companies and services providers. www.smithersregistrar.com

Springborn Smithers Laboratories specialises in contract research and regulatory compliance for the pharmaceutical, agrichemical and speciality chemical industries. A global client base is served from laboratories based in Massachusetts, North Carolina, Switzerland and Japan. www.springbornsmithers.com

Synomics Pharma Services is the latest addition to the Smithers Group. Located in the Cape Cod, Massachusetts region it offers a portfolio of high quality analytical based research services to support the development and manufacturing of pharmaceutical, biotechnology and consumer healthcare products. www.synomicspharma.com

About Rapra Technology:
Smithers Rapra Limited, trading as Rapra Technology, is an independent organisation with over 80 years of experience providing industry with technology, information and consultancy on all aspects of plastics and rubber materials.

Rapra has extensive analytical, testing and processing laboratories, which are complemented by an Information Centre, which maintains and develops the world’s most comprehensive database of commercial and technical information on rubber and plastics – The Polymer Library. It publishes a wide range of technology and market-based journals and books, organises national and international conferences and provides polymer technology training courses. www.rapra.net