Polymers Key to Many Defence and Aerospace Applications

SHROPSHIRE, UK (July 9, 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.

Polymers play a vital role in many defence and aerospace applications and there is a huge amount of activity underway globally to produce new polymers and polymeric materials that can enhance these applications. Composites are one such example where materials have revolutionised performance capabilities and, with the emergence of nanomaterials, the world of composites is set to be further extended.

Rapra’s inaugural conference covers all of the important areas specific to the defence and aerospace sectors relating to the use of polymers, from state-of-the-art research and development to characterisation, fabrication, technology development and many new and emerging applications. A significant part of the conference is devoted to presentations detailing composites, nanocomposites and their novel applications.

The two day technical conference will include a tour of the Airbus A380 site enabling delegates to see first-hand the assembly process of the spectacular super jumbo and its testing stations. This will be a fantastic opportunity to view the world’s largest aeronautical plant in operation and places on the tour- although free of charge - will be strictly limited. Furthermore registrations made before 18th July will receive a €200 discount off the full conference fee. More details can be found at www.polymerconferences.com

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