CHARLOTTE, N.C.—The first deadline to submit technical papers for next year's UTECH North America conference for the North American polyurethanes market is Sept. 1.
Papers that address advances in all sectors are expected to be a large part of the conference program. Topics to be discussed include: development of new products; novel processing techniques and applications; the latest advances in processing equipment including control systems and product testing machinery.
Some of the major issues facing the industry also are expected to be discussed, including sustainability of the polyurethanes business, from raw material manufacture through to the disposal of end-of-life products; the current status in blowing agent technologies for rigid foams; regulatory matters in areas such as fire retardants in flexible foams; and issues facing some of the curatives and additives used in making polyurethane-based elastomers.
Presentations about the developments in specific markets, such as automotive, construction, furniture and bedding, electro-technical and marine sectors, also will be welcomed.
The conference will be held on June 4-5, 2014, at the Convention Center in Charlotte, N.C.
Crain Communications said the event will be independent of U.S. trade associations. It is designed to connect suppliers and buyers from across the polyurethane industry.
Those interested in submitting papers should send in a 50-100-word summary highlighting the main points of the work, indicating which areas it addresses and what benefits it offers, to David Reed, conference producer, Crain Communications Ltd., at [email protected].