AKRON—Smithers Rapra will run a free four-part series on rubber compounding led by Christine Domer, general manager of Smithers' analytical and physical testing labs.
The first installment, "Compounding 101: Polymers," will take place Dec. 12.
"Compounding 101" will include a general discussion of polymers, as well as a beginner overview of topics including polymer structures, performance characteristics and compounding considerations.
Three additional webinars, each lasting about an hour, will be offered later, but event dates are still to be announced. Webinar topics include "Compounding 102: Fillers & Process Aids," "Compounding 103: Cure Systems & Anti-Degradants" and "Compounding 104: Testing."
"Rubber compounding is a complex process, and people in various roles in many different industries can benefit from learning the basics," Domer said in a news release. "We designed this webinar series to deliver a better understanding of compounding fundamentals to beginning compounders, technicians, and anyone interested in understanding the basics of the world of rubber compounding. Experienced compounders could also benefit from the series, as a refresh."
Domer manages lab operations at the analytical chemistry and physical testing laboratories in Akron, and has more than 30 years of material science experience in the tire and rubber industries.
For more information and to register for the first session, visit smithersrapra.com/resources. Smithers said the webinar recordings will be available for download later.