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DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260519T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20251120T201157Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260220T212650Z
UID:2029-1779184800-1779192000@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Electroelastomers - Applications\, Principles & Opportunities
DESCRIPTION:May 19\, 2026; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET \nWebinar Overview: This webinar is designed for innovators working in the rubber industry and seeking new technological strategies. By providing examples of contemporary applications\, electromechanical principles and emerging opportunities\, this is the perfect course for the non-technical individual who would like to learn more about an important class of stimuli-responsive elastomers for tomorrow’s technologies. This webinar will touch on the following topics: \n– Introduction to stimuli-responsive polymers\n– Classifications of electroactive polymers\n– Comparisons of electroactive media\n– Uses of dielectric elastomers (electroelastomers)\n– Electromechanics of electroelastomers\n– Materials design of electroelastomers\n– Testing methods of electroelastomers\n– Advances in electroelastomer performance \nPrice: Free for Members / $149 Non-members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Dr. Richard J. Spontak\, Distinguished Professor\, NC State University \nBio: Dr. Richard J. Spontak is a Distinguished Professor and Alumni Distinguished Graduate and Undergraduate Professor in the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering (with honors/high distinction) from the Pennsylvania State University in 1983 and was later awarded the Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley in 1988. He then pursued post-doctoral research in Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge (U.K.) and Condensed Matter Physics at the Institute for Energy Technology (Norway) before joining the Corporate Research Division of the Procter & Gamble Company in 1990. In 1992\, he accepted a faculty position at North Carolina State University\, where he supervises the Macromolecular Materials & Morphology Group. Since that time\, Spontak has published over 280 peer-reviewed journal papers and over 30 scholarly works as book chapters and invited monographs\, and his work has been featured on 29 journal covers and cited over 12\,000 times according to Google Scholar. Although active in a diverse range of disciplines\, his primary research interests relate to the phase behavior and morphology/property development of nanostructured polymers\, polymer nanocomposites and coatings\, electron microscopy and stimuli-responsive soft materials. In recognition of his fundamental and applied research endeavors\, he is the recipient of numerous honors and awards such as the Alcoa Foundation Engineering Achievement and Distinguished Engineering Research Awards\, Alexander von Humboldt and Tewkesbury fellowships\, the North Carolina State University Alumni Outstanding Research and Global Engagement Awards\, the 2006 American Chemical Society (PMSE Division) Cooperative Research Award in Polymer Science & Engineering\, the 2007 German Society for Electron Microscopy Ernst Ruska Prize\, the 2008 American Chemical Society (Rubber Division) Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award\, the 2011 Institute of Materials\, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) Colwyn Medal\, the 2012 Norwegian University of Science & Technology Lars Onsager Medal and the 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers International Award. An elected fellow of the American Physical Society\, IOM3 and the Royal Society of Chemistry\, he is or has been on the editorial advisory board of more than 20 international journals and holds editorial positions on three of them. He has been recognized as a 2007 Outstanding Scholar Alumnus and a 2012 Alumni Fellow by the Pennsylvania State University\, and he is a member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences and the North Carolina State University Research Leadership\, Global Engagement and Outstanding Teaching Academies. Spontak is also a highly acclaimed educator and academic mentor. For his instructional effectiveness employing cooperative and active learning pedagogies in the classroom and his widespread efforts to promote interdisciplinary engineering design and undergraduate research\, he has received college- and alumni-level Outstanding Teaching Awards\, as well as the university-level Board of Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching\, the highest institutional honor bestowed by the University of North Carolina system. He has also received the 2006 International Network for Engineering Education & Research Recognition Award and the 2009 American Society for Engineering Education Southeast Region Outstanding Mid-Career Teaching Award\, and he has served as a Fulbright Senior Specialist and an Erasmus Fellow. He resides in Raleigh\, North Carolina\, with his wife Josie and has two children\, Danielle and Joshua.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/webinar-electroelastomers-applications-principles-opportunities/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260520T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260522T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20250314T141217Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260401T164529Z
UID:1876-1779267600-1779469200@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Advanced Rubber Compounding
DESCRIPTION:May 20 – 22; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET daily \nCEUs: 1.2 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available both virtually and in-person at the Rubber Division\, ACS office – 306 N. Cleveland Massillon Rd.\, Akron\, OH 44333. Friday will conclude with a tour of Akron Rubber Development Laboratory – 75 E. Robinson Ave.\, Barberton\, OH 44203. \nCourse Overview: This course provides in-depth coverage of rubber compounding and testing. It will include classroom\, laboratory and factory experiences. This course is a natural follow-up course to our “Intermediate Rubber Compounding” course and will go into more detail on all the topics covered in that course. Classroom subjects include elastomers\, fillers/reinforcement\, plasticizers/process aids\, antidegradants\, cure systems\, adhesion\, foaming agents\, and flame retardants\, compound design\, warehouse storage and useful references. Testing laboratory subjects will include process testing\, physical properties\, abrasion\, aged physical properties\, low temperature properties\, dynamic testing\, adhesion\, ozone/weathering testing\, chemical analytics and microscopy. Processing subjects will include mixing\, milling\, calendering\, extrusion and molding. There will be tours of the testing labs\, as well as a demonstration of mixing\, milling\, extrusion and molding. \nRecommended Pre-requisite Course(s): \n\nProcessing and Testing of Rubber (4 hour) and/or Essentials of Rubber Technology (4 hours) or Intermediate Rubber Compounding (8 hour)\n\nTopics Covered: \n\nPolymer overview\n\npolymerization methods\, polymer terms\, viscoelastic properties and glass transition temperature\n\n\nCommon elastomers and comparisons of their properties\nCarbon black and non-black fillers\n\nfiller properties and their role in rubber\n\n\nProcess oils\, plasticizers and process aids\n\nchemistries\, compatibilities and the effects on rubber compounds\n\n\nAntidegradants\n\nOzonolysis\, oxidation and the role antidegradants play in mitigating degradation\n\n\nVulcanization (Curing)\n\nThe various chemistries of curing are discussed including sulfur donors\, accelerators and activators. Includes an examination of rubber properties related to the type of cure\n\n\nAdhesion\, Foam Agents and Flame Retardants\n\nA brief overview of the types of chemicals used and the relationship with rubber\n\n\nMixing and Processing of Rubber\n\nA review of mixing\, milling and processing including curing into final rubber article\n\n\nTesting of Rubber\n\nphysical properties\, analytical measurements\, plastics\, engineering and microscopy.\n\n\n\nIn-person Price: $1\,400 Members / $1\,650 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $100 for Other Student Members (Breakfast\, Lunch & Coffee Included) \nVirtual Price: $1\,000 Members / $1\,250 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $100 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER for IN-PERSON. \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER for VIRTUAL. \nInstructors: Paul Merda and Nicki Hershberger\, Akron Rubber Development Laboratory \nPaul Merda is the Education Coordinator & Technical Advisor at ARDL. He has previous experience as a Lab Technician\, Polymer Adhesives Chemist & High School Science Teacher with 18 years in industry and 13 teaching. \nNicki Hershberger\n– Currently: Compound Development Manager / Sr. Technical Advisor at ARDL\n– Previously: Polymerics Inc. and Sid Richardson Carbon and Energy\n– Education: B.A. degree Kent State University\n– Experience: 24 years rubber experience in custom mixing and compound development for extrusion\, molding\, and auto-claved applications
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-advanced-rubber-compounding/
LOCATION:Akron Rubber Development Laboratory\, 75 E. Robinson Ave.\, Barberton\, OH\, 44203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260601T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260605T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260306T195725Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T195725Z
UID:2230-1780304400-1780660800@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Endurica Workshop: Characterizing Elastomer Fatigue Behavior for Analysis and Engineering
DESCRIPTION:June 1 – June 5; Lectures 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET with additional time available for questions during Office Hours 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET daily during the course duration. \nLocation: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: Learn the essential principles and practices of material characterization for fatigue life prediction\, and strategies and procedures for planning effective fatigue test programs as well as making effective use of crack nucleation and fracture mechanics tools. The live\, online delivery of our Characterizing Elastomer Fatigue Behavior for Analysis and Engineering workshop includes lectures and exercises for a thorough understanding of the science behind Endurica’s workflow and software solutions. This course is a LIVE training event and a link to the presentation of each class will be made available to registrants for their reference/review. These links will be active for seven days after the class date so attendees will have time to make up classes they may not be able to attend live.  \nCourse Objectives \n\nKnow the physics and factors that govern the fatigue behavior of rubber\nUse accurate models and efficient procedures to characterize fatigue behavior\nTake advantage of test strategies that minimize risk and maximize productivity\nUse crack nucleation and fracture mechanics approaches effectively\nUse characterization to inform accurate fatigue calculations\nUse characterization to diagnose and solve development issues\n\nCourse Outline \nDay 1\n– Introduction\n– Elastomers as Engineered Materials\n– Stress-Strain Module \nDay 2\n– Basic Concepts in Elastomer Fatigue\n– Strategy in Fatigue Testing\n– Core Fatigue Module \nDay 3\n– Intrinsic Strength Module\n– Reliability\n– Nonrelaxing Fatigue Module (Strain crystallizing and amorphous rubbers) \nDay 4\n– Rubber’s Fatigue Design Envelope\n– Thermal Module\n– Ageing Module \nDay 5\n– Creep Module\n– Cyclic Softening Module\n– Fatigue Analysis \nPrice: $1\,895 Member / $1\,995 Non-member \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Dr. Thomas G. Ebbott\, Vice President of Endurica LLC and Managing Director of Endurica Europe SARL\n\nBio: Tom is a tire industry veteran known for his leadership in driving advances in modeling\, simulation and workflows across a global organization.  He joined Endurica in 2022 after a 35-year career at Goodyear. While at Goodyear\, he held various technical and leadership positions with experience in product development\, modeling and simulation\, and materials characterization. He was a major contributor to the technical partnership between Goodyear and Sandia National Laboratories. He also enjoyed a two-year assignment at Goodyear’s technical center in Luxembourg as the Manager of Computational Mechanics. He has received numerous awards for his scientific contributions including 4 Superior Paper awards from the Tire Society. His published works include topics such as fracture mechanics and crack growth in rubber; fatigue of cord-rubber composites; non-linear viscoelasticity and constitutive modeling; tire rolling resistance and temperature prediction.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/endurica-workshop-characterizing-elastomer-fatigue-behavior-for-analysis-and-engineering-2/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260603T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260306T195320Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260306T195855Z
UID:2229-1780477200-1780502400@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Introduction to Compounding\, Mixing & Testing
DESCRIPTION:June 3\, 2026; 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. ET \nCEUs: 0.76 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: This course provides a practical overview of elastomer compounding and processing. Topics include elastomers\, fillers\, oils and plasticizers and curing agents. Participants will also explore the mixing\, processing and testing of elastomer compounds along with key considerations when selecting an elastomer for a specific application. \nThe mixing portion of the course covers several important topics related to internal mixers and the parameters that influence rubber mixing. The course begins with a brief history of mixing equipment including both mill mixers and internal mixers along with the different procedures used in each mixing process. Participants will also review the various methods used to process mixed compounds into finished parts. \nThe course concludes with real world examples of common problems encountered in rubber compounding and mixing. These case studies will examine what caused the issues and how they were successfully resolved in the field. \nLearning Objectives \n\nGain an overview of the practical aspects of elastomer compounding\n• Learn key considerations when selecting elastomers for specific applications\n• Understand the fundamentals of rubber mixing equipment and mixing parameters\n• Explore processing methods used to convert compounds into finished parts\n• Engage in discussion and one on one dialogue beyond general class content\n• Leverage the experience of instructors and fellow participants as a technical resource\n• Receive references and contacts for future technical questions and continued learning\n\nPrice: $695 Member / $795 Non-member / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $100 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: William Stahl \nBio: William Stahl retired in March of 2023 after 45 years in the rubber industry. His main focus was in the compounding and applications for fluoroelastomer polymers. He has taught several courses for Rubber Division\, ACS. He is currently a consultant for WMS Technologies\, LLC (Norton\, Ohio).
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-introduction-to-compounding-mixing-testing-2/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260604T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20251120T201441Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T201441Z
UID:2030-1780563600-1780592400@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Intermediate Rubber Compounding
DESCRIPTION:June 4\, 2026; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET \nCEUs: 0.76 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available virtually only and can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: This course is an overview of rubber compounding and testing. Compounding subjects include elastomers\, fillers/reinforcement\, plasticizers/process aids\, anti-degradants and cure systems. Testing laboratory subjects will include process testing\, physical properties testing\, dynamic properties testing and aging. Processing subjects will include mixing\, milling\, molding\, extrusion and calendaring. This course could be useful for chemists\, engineers and technical sales staff who may be relatively new to the rubber industry and want a better understanding of how different ingredients affect a rubber compound. \nPrice: $745 Members / $845 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $100 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructors: Paul Merda\, Nicki Hershberger and Paul Pavka\, Akron Rubber Development Laboratory \nPaul Merda\, ARDL\nPaul Merda is the Education Coordinator & Technical Advisor at ARDL. He has previous experience as a Lab Technician\, Polymer Adhesives Chemist & High School Science Teacher with 18 years in industry and 13 teaching. \nNicki Hershberger\nNicki Hershberger is the Vice President Technical & Sales at Akron Rubber Development Laboratory (ARDL). She has been in the rubber industry for around 25 years and has experience working in custom mixing and compound development for extrusion\, molding\, and autoclaved applications. In Nicki’s current role\, she works with customers on challenging compound development projects\, helps them evaluate new materials in various rubber applications\, and also manages ARDL’s technical advisor/compound development group. \nPaul Pavka\nCurrently: Technical Advisor / Rubber Compounder at ARDL\nPreviously: Technical Service at Franklin International\nEducation: B.S. Materials Science & Engineering\, Ohio State; M.S. Polymer Science\, University of Akron\nExperience: Seven years in the rubber/plastics/adhesives industries; has taught college chemistry and materials science \nAbout ARDL: Akron Rubber Development Laboratory\, Inc. (ARDL) is an internationally recognized independent testing laboratory specializing in rubber\, plastic\, and latex materials. With over six decades of experience\, ARDL offers comprehensive services including material testing\, product development\, process optimization\, and failure analysis. Their state-of-the-art facilities and expert team provide solutions across various industries such as automotive\, aerospace\, medical\, and industrial applications. ARDL is committed to advancing innovation and ensuring quality in polymer products\, making them a trusted partner for companies seeking reliable and accurate testing services.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-intermediate-rubber-compounding-2/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T100000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260611T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260122T145338Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T145338Z
UID:2193-1781172000-1781179200@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Advanced Reinforcements & Fillers
DESCRIPTION:June 11\, 2026; 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET \nWebinar Overview: This webinar explores the science\, structure and performance impact of key reinforcement and filler systems used in rubber compounding. Participants will gain insight into how morphology\, surface chemistry and treatment technologies influence processing behavior and final material properties across a wide range of applications. \nWebinar Content: \n\nSilica morphology\, structure and performance considerations\nSilane chemistry and application methods for effective coupling\nTreatment technologies used to optimize silica interaction with rubber\nKaolin clay technology with emerging opportunities for formulation development\nTalc technology and its potential roles in property modification\nCalcium carbonate systems with evolving application possibilities\nGraphene technology and its expanding performance landscape\n\nThis webinar equips participants with a deeper understanding of reinforcement mechanisms and filler selection strategies that support innovation in compound design. \nPrice: Free for Members / $149 Non-members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Josh Guilliams\, Vice President of Consultancy \nBio: Josh Guilliams\, Vice President of Consultancy leads\, Smithers’ technical consulting team based in Akron\, Ohio. Josh manages client relationships and works with other Smithers experts on complex projects. He also conducts in-depth investigations of a wide variety of rubber materials and final products on behalf of clients. Guilliams has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and engineering from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Polymer Science from the University of Akron. He is a Six Sigma Black Belt.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/webinar-advanced-reinforcements-fillers/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T110000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260618T120000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260122T145552Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T150224Z
UID:2194-1781780400-1781784000@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Devulcanization - Science & Methods
DESCRIPTION:June 18\, 2026; 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. ET \nWebinar Overview: This webinar provides a solid foundation in the science of devulcanization and examines the current methods used to break sulfur crosslinks in cured rubber. Participants will gain an understanding of the principles behind each major approach\, along with the performance characteristics and commercial considerations relevant to modern recycling efforts. \nWebinar Content: \n\nThe drivers behind devulcanization and its role in circular rubber technologies\nChemical approaches and reaction mechanisms\nMechanical processing methods and their effects on structure\nThermal processes and operating conditions\nHybrid techniques that combine multiple pathways\nKey properties of devulcanized materials\nCurrent applications and commercial activity\n\nThis webinar equips participants with a practical scientific overview that supports informed decision making in materials selection\, processing strategies\, and sustainability planning. \nPrice: Free for Members / $99 Non-members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Critt Ohlemacher\, PhD\, Smithers Senior Materials Scientist – Akron Labs \nBio: As the Senior Materials Scientist of the Smithers rubber and polymer testing laboratory in Akron\, Ohio\, Critt works with the chemical analysis and physical & mechanical properties testing teams on projects related to mixing and compounding\, reconstruction and reverse engineering\, and development of analytical techniques. Critt has over thirty years of experience in physical testing and chemical analysis of rubber and polymer materials. He has special expertise in reverse engineering of elastomers and plastics\, bloom and inclusion identification\, additive identification and quantitation\, headspace analysis and compounding. Critt holds a bachelor’s degree in physics from Ohio University and a Doctor of Philosophy in polymer science from the University of Akron.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/webinar-devulcanization-science-methods/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260623T120000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260623T160000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20251117T205808Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251117T205808Z
UID:2014-1782216000-1782230400@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Carbon Blacks Manufacturing\, Properties & Applications in Rubber Compounds
DESCRIPTION:June 23\, 2026; 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. ET \nCEUs: 0.38 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available online only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: Centered around carbon black\, this course was designed to be advantageous for both technical and non-technical personnel working in the rubber industry. These topics will be covered: \n\nCB types and the related manufacturing processes\nPresent status of the global CB industry\, CB classification\, grades and standards\nCB morphology\, characteristics and their effects on properties of rubber compounds\nSelection of CB for various rubber processes\, as extrusion\, molding\, etc.\nCompounding with CB to rationalize raw materials\, minimize costs and optimize final properties of rubber goods\nEnvironmental effects of CB applications and recovered CB\n\nPrice: $395 Members / $495 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $50 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Dr. Irene Yurovska \nIrene Yurovska was born and raised in Moscow\, Russia. After completing her BS in Chemistry\, MS in Chemical Engineering (Rubber Technology) and PhD in Physical Chemistry of Polymers\, she worked as a scientist for the Rubber Industry Institute and for the Institute of Aircraft Technology in Moscow. \nIrene moved with her family to the US in 1991. For ten years\, she lived in Rhode Island\, working as a plant rubber chemist for Teknor Apex and completing her MBA in Bryant University. Irene moved to Massachusetts to be employed for 14 years as a scientist\, technical service and applications specialist by Cabot Corporation in Billerica\, MA. In 2016-2017\, Dr. Yurovska worked as a Global Innovation Market Development Manager for Addivant Corporation (now SI Group) in CT. \nCurrently\, after completing the long and successful career as a global rubber industry professional; having hands-on experience with rubber compounding\, processing and technical service\, and with carbon black and antioxidants manufacturing and properties\, Dr. Irene Yurovska lives in TX\, recently being employed in India as VP of Himadri Specialty Chemicals (technical service in carbon black for rubbers) and currently developing a private consulting business for the global rubber industry. \nHer scientific interests include relationships between individual characteristics of ingredients and application properties of rubber products. Dr. Yurovska is the author and co-author of several patents and numerous articles in peer-reviewed and industrial publications. \nDr. Yurovska is an active member of the US rubber industry community\, being on several Rubber Division\, ACS committees\, she served as a Chair of the New England Rubber and Plastics Group and she is on the Board of NERPG and is also a member of the Energy Polymer Group. \nIrene has two children and one grandchild. She enjoys spending time with her family\, world travel\, swimming\, and classic opera.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-carbon-blacks-manufacturing-properties-applications-in-rubber-compounds/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260624T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20251120T201629Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20251120T201629Z
UID:2031-1782291600-1782320400@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Thermoplastic Elastomers - From Fundamentals to Novel Applications
DESCRIPTION:June 24\, 2026; 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. ET \nCEUs: 0.76 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: With growing global concern regarding the increasing level of solid waste due to polymeric materials and interest in material recycling\, thermoplastic elastomers (TPEs) provide an attractive alternative to conventional elastomers. This class of materials relies on combining thermoplastic and elastomeric properties into single macromolecules\, along with physical\, rather than chemical\, crosslinking to introduce elasticity. While a wide range of TPEs is commercially available\, most TPEs rely on a block copolymer in which macromolecules consist of three or more long\, contiguous sequences of dissimilar chemical species. Due to thermodynamic incompatibility between these sequences\, these molecules self-assemble into mesoscale morphologies and form a flexible molecular network that is stabilized by rigid microdomains that serve as physical crosslinks. This course will introduce participants to different types and contemporary uses of TPEs\, in addition to the molecular design\, synthesis and characteristics of TPEs derived from block copolymers. Thermodynamic considerations regarding network formation and bridging metrics in TPEs will be addressed by experimental observations\, theoretical predictions and computer simulations. Blends of TPEs and their uses in conventional and emerging applications will be described\, as will the chemical functionalization of TPEs for specialized technologies (e.g.\, designer additives\, organic photovoltaics\, soft actuators\, separation membranes and antimicrobial materials). \nLearning Objectives:\n– Distinguish and classify the different families of TPEs that are presently available\n– Identify commercial applications that benefit from the properties afforded by TPEs\n– Differentiate between physical and chemical crosslinking in terms of network formation\n– Relate network formation to microphase separation in TPEs based on block copolymers\n– Discuss the effects of molecular characteristics on structure-property relationships\n– Design TPE-containing blends with polymers for targeted morphologies and properties\n– Compare mechanical and electromechanical properties of selectively solvated TPEs\n– Modify TPEs either physically or chemically to introduce stimuli-responsiveness\n– Functionalize TPEs for use in environment-\, energy- and health-related applications\n– Choose (un)functionalized TPEs as compatibilizing agents in biphasic polymer blends \nTopical Outline:\n– Different classes of TPEs as physically-crosslinked elastomers\n– Block copolymers differing in molecular characteristics as TPEs\n– Self-assembly and network formation in block copolymer TPEs\n– Network characteristics of TPEs varying in molecular characteristics\n– Structure-property relationships of TPE-containing polymer blends\n– Selectively-solvated TPEs as an emerging class of tunably soft materials\n– Viscoelasticity and network characteristics in TPE gels for targeted applications\n– Introduction to electroactive and other stimuli-responsive TPE systems\n– Functional TPEs with photoresponsive\, separation and antimicrobial properties\n– Native/functional TPEs for toughening\, compatibilization and novel purposes \nPrice: $745 Members / $845 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $100 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Richard J. Spontak\, North Carolina State University \nBio: Dr. Richard J. Spontak is a Distinguished Professor and Alumni Distinguished Graduate and Undergraduate Professor in the Departments of Chemical & Biomolecular Engineering and Materials Science & Engineering at North Carolina State University in Raleigh. He received his B.S. degree in Chemical Engineering (with honors/high distinction) from the Pennsylvania State University in 1983 and was later awarded the Ph.D. degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley in 1988. He then pursued post-doctoral research in Materials Science & Metallurgy at the University of Cambridge (U.K.) and Condensed Matter Physics at the Institute for Energy Technology (Norway) before joining the Corporate Research Division of the Procter & Gamble Company in 1990. In 1992\, he accepted a faculty position at North Carolina State University\, where he supervises the Macromolecular Materials & Morphology Group. Since that time\, Spontak has published over 280 peer-reviewed journal papers and over 30 scholarly works as book chapters and invited monographs\, and his work has been featured on 29 journal covers and cited over 12\,000 times according to Google Scholar. Although active in a diverse range of disciplines\, his primary research interests relate to the phase behavior and morphology/property development of nanostructured polymers\, polymer nanocomposites and coatings\, electron microscopy and stimuli-responsive soft materials. In recognition of his fundamental and applied research endeavors\, he is the recipient of numerous honors and awards such as the Alcoa Foundation Engineering Achievement and Distinguished Engineering Research Awards\, Alexander von Humboldt and Tewkesbury fellowships\, the North Carolina State University Alumni Outstanding Research and Global Engagement Awards\, the 2006 American Chemical Society (PMSE Division) Cooperative Research Award in Polymer Science & Engineering\, the 2007 German Society for Electron Microscopy Ernst Ruska Prize\, the 2008 American Chemical Society (Rubber Division) Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award\, the 2011 Institute of Materials\, Minerals and Mining (IOM3) Colwyn Medal\, the 2012 Norwegian University of Science & Technology Lars Onsager Medal and the 2015 Society of Plastics Engineers International Award. An elected fellow of the American Physical Society\, IOM3 and the Royal Society of Chemistry\, he is or has been on the editorial advisory board of more than 20 international journals and holds editorial positions on three of them. He has been recognized as a 2007 Outstanding Scholar Alumnus and a 2012 Alumni Fellow by the Pennsylvania State University\, and he is a member of the Norwegian Academy of Technological Sciences and the North Carolina State University Research Leadership\, Global Engagement and Outstanding Teaching Academies. Spontak is also a highly acclaimed educator and academic mentor. For his instructional effectiveness employing cooperative and active learning pedagogies in the classroom and his widespread efforts to promote interdisciplinary engineering design and undergraduate research\, he has received college- and alumni-level Outstanding Teaching Awards\, as well as the university-level Board of Governor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching\, the highest institutional honor bestowed by the University of North Carolina system. He has also received the 2006 International Network for Engineering Education & Research Recognition Award and the 2009 American Society for Engineering Education Southeast Region Outstanding Mid-Career Teaching Award\, and he has served as a Fulbright Senior Specialist and an Erasmus Fellow. He resides in Raleigh\, North Carolina\, with his wife Josie and has two children\, Danielle and Joshua.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-thermoplastic-elastomers-from-fundamentals-to-novel-applications/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260625T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20251120T200225Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T194554Z
UID:2024-1782378000-1782392400@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Dynamic Viscoelastic Properties
DESCRIPTION:June 25\, 2026; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET \nCEUs: 0.38 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: This course starts with a very brief introduction to viscoelastic theories and models but then shifts to an explanation of the viscoelastic properties of elastomers and how those properties can be measured. Attendees will learn about how tire performance can be predicted using dynamic mechanical analysis and how these testing methods can be applied to other non-tire applications as well. This course will also discuss how compounding ingredients such as the polymer\, fillers\, plasticizers and cure systems can each affect the viscoelastic properties of a rubber compound. \nPrice: $395 Members / $495 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $50 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Paul Merda\, ARDL\nPaul Merda is the Education Coordinator & Technical Advisor at ARDL. He has previous experience as a Lab Technician\, Polymer Adhesives Chemist & High School Science Teacher with 18 years in industry and 13 teaching. \nAbout ARDL: Akron Rubber Development Laboratory\, Inc. (ARDL) is an internationally recognized independent testing laboratory specializing in rubber\, plastic\, and latex materials. With over six decades of experience\, ARDL offers comprehensive services including material testing\, product development\, process optimization\, and failure analysis. Their state-of-the-art facilities and expert team provide solutions across various industries such as automotive\, aerospace\, medical\, and industrial applications. ARDL is committed to advancing innovation and ensuring quality in polymer products\, making them a trusted partner for companies seeking reliable and accurate testing services.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-dynamic-viscoelastic-properties/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260630T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260630T130000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260122T145819Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260122T150246Z
UID:2195-1782810000-1782824400@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Non-tire Specialty Elastomers
DESCRIPTION:June 30\, 2026; 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. ET \nLocation: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: This course provides a focused overview of major elastomer families used across industrial\, automotive\, consumer and specialty applications. Participants will examine the fundamental chemistry\, performance characteristics and processing considerations that define each material\, along with the environments where they deliver the greatest value. \nCourse Content: \n\nEPDM structure\, key properties and common sealing and weathering applications\nNitrile performance in oil-resistant formulations and fuel-system environments\nSilicone rubber behavior\, thermal stability and high-purity applications\nNeoprene versatility and resistance profiles\nFluorosilicone elastomers and their use in harsh chemical and temperature conditions\nFluorocarbon elastomers with a focus on chemical resistance and high-performance sealing\n\nThis course gives participants a clear scientific foundation for selecting and applying these elastomers in real-world product design and compound development. \nPrice: $395 Members / $495 Non-members / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $50 for Other Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER.\n\nInstructor: Brad Sellers and Joshua Guilliams\, Smithers \nBios: Brad Sellers joined the Smithers consulting team in 2014. He specializes in tire and rubber product evaluations and data analysis\, focused on developing action plans and helping clients implement solutions that address their development\, quality\, and performance challenges. He has significant experience providing technical support for testing and research studies along with proven skills in failure analysis\, project planning\, patent research\, and secondary technical research. Bradley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from Ohio University. \nJosh Guilliams\, Vice President of Consultancy leads\, Smithers’ technical consulting team based in Akron\, Ohio. Josh manages client relationships and works with other Smithers experts on complex projects. He also conducts in-depth investigations of a wide variety of rubber materials and final products on behalf of clients. Guilliams has a Bachelor of Science in chemistry and engineering from Baldwin Wallace University and a Master of Polymer Science from the University of Akron. He is a Six Sigma Black Belt.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-non-tire-specialty-elastomers/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260716T170000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20251120T201007Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260330T194628Z
UID:2028-1784206800-1784221200@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Antidegradant Chemistry\, Testing & Aging
DESCRIPTION:July 16\, 2026; 1 p.m. – 5 p.m. ET \nCEUs: 0.38 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation: This course is available virtually only. It can be taken from the comfort of your home or office – remotely from any tablet\, laptop or computer. \nCourse Overview: The course addresses antidegradant use\, chemistry\, testing and types of aging used in the rubber industry today. A review of the chemistry of oxidation\, ozonolysis and UV exposure which applies to not only rubber but many engineering materials currently in use. The types of antidegradants used in rubber will be explored in relation to the different polymers available for thermosets. Most things have a shelf-life and rubber products are no different; a discussion of the persistence of antidegradants will assist in determining a rubber article’s service life. The course will finish with some antidegradant comparisons in various rubber formulas to see how these affect properties of the rubber compounds and their aging. \nTopics covered will include: \n\nAging of polymers and the test methods used in industry\nOxidation\, Ozonolysis chemistry\nTypes of anti-degradants and their uses in polymer manufacturing\nCure systems effect on aging\n\nPrice: $395 Members / $495 Non-members / $50 for Graduate Student Members / Free for Emeritus\, Life & Undergraduate Student Members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Paul Merda\, Akron Rubber Development Laboratory \nBio: Paul Merda is the Education Coordinator & Technical Advisor at ARDL. He has previous experience as a Lab Technician\, Polymer Adhesives Chemist & High School Science Teacher with 18 years in industry and 13 teaching. \nAbout ARDL: Akron Rubber Development Laboratory\, Inc. (ARDL) is an internationally recognized independent testing laboratory specializing in rubber\, plastic\, and latex materials. With over six decades of experience\, ARDL offers comprehensive services including material testing\, product development\, process optimization\, and failure analysis. Their state-of-the-art facilities and expert team provide solutions across various industries such as automotive\, aerospace\, medical\, and industrial applications. ARDL is committed to advancing innovation and ensuring quality in polymer products\, making them a trusted partner for companies seeking reliable and accurate testing services.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-antidegradant-chemistry-testing-aging/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T090000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20260915T140000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260323T130902Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260323T130902Z
UID:2237-1789462800-1789480800@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Course: Processing & Testing of Rubber
DESCRIPTION:September 15\, 2026; 9 a.m. – 2 p.m. ET including a tour of Akron Rubber Development Laboratory \nCEUs: 0.38 (To receive the CEUs\, attendees must attend the course live and promptly complete the survey evaluation after the course.) \nLocation:  This course is in-person at Akron Rubber Development Laboratory – 75 E. Robinson Ave.\, Barberton\, OH 44203. \nThis course is being held in conjunction with the Ohio Rubber Group Technical Meeting and is FREE for Ohio Rubber Group members. You can become an ORG member\, learn about and purchase the Ohio Rubber Group Technical Meeting separately here: https://www.ohiorubbergroup.org/event/fall-technical-meeting-2026/ \nCourse Overview: This half-day course will give an in-depth look at mixing\, testing and vulcanizing of rubber. \nTopics Covered: \n\nIncoming raw material inspection\nKey characteristics for certain raw materials\nMixing rubber: rotor types\, batch sizing\, 1-pass vs. 2-pass\, conventional vs. upside down mixing\, raw materials that require special attention during mixing\, common mixing and milling problems\, and batch take-off.\nTesting for quality control: rheology\, Mooney\, durometer\, unaged physical properties\, specific gravity\, and dispersion testing.\nVulcanization of rubber: molding\, extrusion\, steam cure.\n\nAll registration fees will be used to sponsor students to attend the 2026 Global Polymer Summit in Louisville\, KY. \nPrice: $495 Member / $595 Non-member / Free for Undergraduate Student Members / $100 for Other Student Members\n*Ohio Rubber Group members receive this course for FREE. \nAlready a member? Ohio Rubber Group will provide you with a discount code.  \nNot a member? Email hmaimone@rubber.org to join. \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Paul Merda\, ARDL \nBio: Paul Merda is the Education Coordinator & Technical Advisor at ARDL. He has previous experience as a Lab Technician\, Polymer Adhesives Chemist & High School Science Teacher with 18 years in industry and 13 teaching. \nAbout ARDL: Akron Rubber Development Laboratory\, Inc. (ARDL) is an internationally recognized independent testing laboratory specializing in rubber\, plastic\, and latex materials. With over six decades of experience\, ARDL offers comprehensive services including material testing\, product development\, process optimization\, and failure analysis. Their state-of-the-art facilities and expert team provide solutions across various industries such as automotive\, aerospace\, medical\, and industrial applications. ARDL is committed to advancing innovation and ensuring quality in polymer products\, making them a trusted partner for companies seeking reliable and accurate testing services.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/course-processing-testing-of-rubber/
LOCATION:Akron Rubber Development Laboratory\, 75 E. Robinson Ave.\, Barberton\, OH\, 44203\, United States
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
BEGIN:VEVENT
DTSTART;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T130000
DTEND;TZID=America/New_York:20261105T150000
DTSTAMP:20260403T133939
CREATED:20260211T204303Z
LAST-MODIFIED:20260211T204303Z
UID:2212-1793883600-1793890800@www.rubber.org
SUMMARY:Webinar: Rubber Industry Supply Chains
DESCRIPTION:Thursday\, November 5\, 2026; 1 p.m. – 3 p.m. ET \nWebinar Overview: Traditionally\, rubber industry supply chain actions are conducted by purchasing\, whereas RD\, engineering and customer service functions do not participate.  Meanwhile\, modern complexity of the rubber industry and its entangled global supply chains make our products vulnerable to the current volatility of political situations and economics. Disruptions of supply chains reverberate all the way down to rubber manufacturing and to customers\, and it could bring major national industries to standstill. \nWebinar Objective: The objective of this course is to promote awareness of supply chains effects on rubber processes\, quality of products and final costs. Based on her personal experience as a chemist\, plant engineer\, manager and global consultant working for the rubber industry and in academia in the USA\, Europe and Asia\, the instructor will review risks and pathways to ensure supply chains resilience\, manufacturing flexibility and cost control. \nWebinar Content: \n\nSupply chains components and functions\nSignificance of rubber products for the national economy\nRubber industry raw materials: types\, functions and sources\nSupply chain management:\n\nRisk management\nRaw materials multi-sourcing\nInventories resilience\nManagement of change: objectives\, layout and costs\n\n\n\nTo achieve production cost efficiency and rubber product quality\, the supply chain management team must include purchasing\, engineering and technical departments of committed and educated professionals. \nWho should attend:  Purchasing agents\, chemists\, product and process engineers\, quality professionals and managers will find this course useful. Participation of teams\, including purchasing\, engineering\, chemical\, processing\, quality and marketing/sales functions is encouraged. \nPrice: Free for Members / $149 Non-members \nCLICK HERE TO REGISTER. \nInstructor: Dr. Irene Yurovska \nIrene Yurovska was born and raised in Moscow\, Russia. After completing her BS in Chemistry\, MS in Chemical Engineering (Rubber Technology) and PhD in Physical Chemistry of Polymers\, she worked as a scientist for the Rubber Industry Institute and for the Institute of Aircraft Technology in Moscow. \nIrene moved with her family to the US in 1991. For ten years\, she lived in Rhode Island\, working as a plant rubber chemist for Teknor Apex and completing her MBA in Bryant University. Irene moved to Massachusetts to be employed for 14 years as a scientist\, technical service and applications specialist by Cabot Corporation in Billerica\, MA. In 2016-2017\, Dr. Yurovska worked as a Global Innovation Market Development Manager for Addivant Corporation (now SI Group) in CT. \nCurrently\, after completing the long and successful career as a global rubber industry professional; having hands-on experience with rubber compounding\, processing and technical service\, and with carbon black and antioxidants manufacturing and properties\, Dr. Irene Yurovska lives in TX\, recently being employed in India as VP of Himadri Specialty Chemicals (technical service in carbon black for rubbers) and currently developing a private consulting business for the global rubber industry. \nHer scientific interests include relationships between individual characteristics of ingredients and application properties of rubber products. Dr. Yurovska is the author and co-author of several patents and numerous articles in peer-reviewed and industrial publications. \nDr. Yurovska is an active member of the US rubber industry community\, being on several Rubber Division\, ACS committees\, she served as a Chair of the New England Rubber and Plastics Group and she is on the Board of NERPG and is also a member of the Energy Polymer Group. \nIrene has two children and one grandchild. She enjoys spending time with her family\, world travel\, swimming\, and classic opera.
URL:https://www.rubber.org/event/webinar-rubber-industry-supply-chains/
CATEGORIES:Training
END:VEVENT
END:VCALENDAR