iSmithers invites to the 13^th edition of its Thermoplastic Elastomers conference, to be held from 26 – 27 October 2010 in Cologne, Germany. Programme highlights include a review of styrenic TPE with improved compression set for sealing applications, a new TPE with high vibration damping characteristics and high performance TPE compounds suitable for medical/pharmaceutical use. The programme:

• “TPEs in a post recession world”, Bob Eller, Robert Eller Associates

• “Alternative TPE compositions and technologies – keeping the European TPE industry ahead of the game”, Patrick Ellis, Patrick Ellis Consultants

• “The growth of TPEs in window seals”, Tolga Sarikahya, Elastron Kimya A S, Turkey (NEW)

• “High molecular weight TPE material with damping and barrier properties”, Dirk Kilian, Kuraray

• “Advances in TPE compounds”, Kevin Peach, AlphaGary,

• “The science of formulating olefin block copolymers”, Jose M. Rego, Ashish Batra, Gloria Stucchi, Filip Tauson, Kim Walton, Dow

• “New TPV for automotive application combining high productivity and surface aesthetics”, Hermann-Josef Holz, Eric Jourdain, ExxonMobil Chemical

• “UV performance of TPV materials”, Ger L. Vroomen, Y. Wang, DSM Sarlink

• “Modern extrusion technology for TPE-V production”, Alexander Koschmieder, Leistritz

• “Production of thermoplastic elastomers in internal mixers”, Hannah Köppen, W. Michaeli, IKV

• “Inelasticity of hard phase reinforced elastomers: a study of copolyurethanes with varying hard and soft segments”, Cristina Prisacariu, Elena Scortanu, Institute of Macromolecular Chemistry, “Petru Poni“ lasi (Romania)

• “Thermoplastic polyurethane with excellent durability”, Hidekazu Saitou, Dirk Kilian, Kuraray

• “How a ‘pinch’ of PEBA can enhance your recipe”, Frédéric Malet, Arkema

• “Foaming of TPE materials with thermoplastic expandable microspheres”, Lena Jönsson, Eka Chemicals AB, Expancel; Niklas Ottosson, VTC Elastoteknik (Elasto), Jacques Horrion, Lubrizol

• “Halogen free flame retardants and laser marking additives for TPE”, Thomas Futterer, Hendrik Wermter, Chemische Fabrik Budenheim

• “TPE pelletizing – the positive answers to a real challenge”, Horst Mueller, Jaroslaw Boczon, Frank Gloeckner, Automatik Plastics Machinery

• “Processing of thermoplastic elastomers with vertical injection machines”, Peter Vogl, LWB Steinl