THIS year, the information group of Smithers Rapra Technology iSmithers has selected Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia, as the venue for its seventh annual international conference on Latex & Synthetic Polymer
Dispersions. To be held from 13-14 March, the conference will feature presentations from international companies.
To date, companies that have registered include Aerofoam Manufacturing, Crown Packaging UK, Dow Corning
Thailand, Dow Corning Singapore, International Latex and Tecnilatex. From Malaysia, companies that are attending include Ansell, Rubber Research Institute, Malaysian Rubber Export Promotion Council, Regent
Hospital Products, Rubberex and Smart Glove.
The technical briefing will have five main sessions focusing on naturally occurring and synthetic latices; nanotechnology in latex and synthetic polymer dispersions; gloves; standards and regulations.
Opening the session, No Dock Moung, from the International Rubber Study Group, will focus on the performance of latices from different botanical sources and also the characterisation of natural rubber latex.
Professor Katrina Cornish from the Ohio State University will discuss the effectiveness of some biobased fibres and fillers; new developments in the characterisation of natural rubber latex (NRL) and the effect of natural starch on the mechanical and biodegradation properties of NRL.
Joachim Storsberg from Fraunhofer IAP will look at latices from renewable sources and Professor Chee Ho will cover new developments in emulsion polymerisation.
The second day of the conference will look at the latest developments in the use of nanotechnology and
following presentations from Professor Sabu Thomas, Siby Varghese and Ranimol Stephen, delegates will be given the opportunity to put questions to the panel of speakers.
Major players like Ansell will present a case study on synthetic polyisoprene latex condom. Meanwhile, a
session dealing specifically with gloves will highlight the world’s first surgical glove with an antimicrobial
coating on the inside surface and how it can be made functional and eco-friendly.
Finally there will be round-up of the latest standards and regulations affecting the industry from leading industry experts like William D. Potter, Satish Champaneri and David Kostyal.
To encourage attendance from the ASEAN region, the conference organiser is offering a special reduced
rate for attendees. There are also a limited number of table-tops available at the event as well as a number of sponsorship opportunities.
For further information about this conference, please contact Helen Charlesworth
E-mail: hcharlesworth@ismithers.net
Or visit: www.polymerconferences.com
(PRA)