UK-based iSmithers’ 7th international conference for the latex and emulsion industry will be held in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, in March 2012. From coatings to carpets to condoms, this conference will provide the essential update on the latest trends and developments in natural rubber latex, aqueous synthetic polymer latices, processing chemicals and additives, latex-based products and relevant legislation.
Natural and synthetic polymer latices are still at the heart of a wide range of applications. Although traditionally dominated by disposable gloves for medical applications, the market has seen marked changes in recent years, driven chiefly by the emerging economies of China and India.
Recent steep rises in the cost of natural rubber latex have forced manufacturers to evaluate alternative materials and confront all of the problems associated with a major change in product properties. Legislation governing the use of volatile solvents has further opened up the sector with water-based dispersions and latices increasingly used as substitutes for solvent-based systems such as adhesives, sealants and coatings. There are, however, several challenges which lie ahead.
The perennial quest for zero allergy elastomers will remain a key focus for the industry, as will the increasing pressure of legislation and the continuing need to identify emerging opportunities within this business sector. This conference provides an effective forum to discuss the latest market, technology and materials news.
Topics to be addressed will include new materials, machinery and equipment developments, application methods, latex-based products, standards and regulatory requirements, materials testing, quality control and market trends.
iSmithers is currently inviting papers on the following topics: Appraisal of market trends and supply and demand drivers and emerging business opportunities for products and applications.(PRA)
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