COURSE OVERVIEW

•  The introduction to the course includes the history of rubber and rubber applications

• Various polymers are discussed including:

  • Natural Rubber, Styrene Butadiene Rubber (SBR), Polyisoprene, Polybutadiene, Nitrile (NBR), Hydrogenated Nitrile (HNBR), Polyacrylate (PA), Epichlorohydrin (ECO), Hypalon (CSM), Vamac (AEM), Neoprene (CR), EPDM, Butyl, Fluoroelastomer (FKM), Urethane, Silicone (VMQ), and Thermoplastic Elastomers.

• Additional topics include:

  • Ingredients necessary for formulating a rubber compound such as antioxidants, antiozonants, black and non-black fillers, plasticizers, softeners, oils, accelerators and curing agents

  • The mixing process and equipment

  • Methods of handling a variety of compounds

  • Methods of forming a rubber part including molding, extrusion and calendering

  • Rubber to metal bonding

  • Test methods, test instruments, quality control and rubber specifications

  • Tours of

    • Compounding and mixing facilities

    • Physical testing laboratory

    • Analytical testing laboratory

  • Students will receive hard copies of presentations, digital media copies (Data CD or Flash Drive) and two books about rubber technology.

    • "Basic Elastomer Technology" by Krishna Baranwal & Howard Stephens

    • The Vanderbilt Handbook

    • Any literature from the speakers

o   Lunch is provided for all registrants as a part of the registration fee. Other meals are to be arranged by the individual and are not included with registration.

REGISTRATION

The class will be limited to a maximum of 35. There must be a minimum of 20 attendees in order to hold the class. If there are not enough people that signup by the deadline date of Feb 2^ND, 2010, the course will be cancelled. In the event of cancellation, your registration fee will be promptly returned.