Conferences

Citation

(2008), "Conferences", Pigment & Resin Technology, Vol. 37 No. 3. https://doi.org/10.1108/prt.2008.12937cac.002

Conferences

Article Type: Conferences, training and publications From: Pigment & Resin Technology. Volume 37, Issue 3.

Nanoparticle conference calls for papers

BHR Group's First International Conference calls for papers

Advances in the manufacturing, manipulation and characterisation of nanoscale particles and droplets have led to novel product formulations and production techniques with improved performance. The commercialisation of these products offers exciting possibilities for industrial sectors including electronics, coatings, wear resistance, cosmetics and pharmaceuticals. It also opens new avenues of research in an evolving multi-disciplinary area.

The emergence of commercial nanoparticle products presents new challenges to the chemical and process industries. Nanoparticles must be handled safely and processes based on the underlying physics and chemistry need to be designed for economic and efficient manufacture. Techniques developed in the laboratory must be scaled up for commercial production while appropriate methods and techniques have to be selected for product characterisation.

BHR Group's First International Conference on Nanotechnology aims to address the key challenges facing participants in this new and developing sector. It draws together participants from industry and academia with contributions on industrial applications and requirements and related cutting edge academic and industrial research. The organisers have issued a call for original papers for presentation at the conference which will be held in Albany, USA, on 17-19 September 2008.

Papers are invited on relevant subjects including: industrial applications and needs; surface chemistry; manufacturing techniques for nano/ micro particles; instrumentation and analytical techniques; safety and safe handling of nano/micro equipment; scale up and characterisation of particles; modelling of nano/micro products; product formulation; rheology of nano particle suspensions.

The organisers hope that contributors will take the opportunity to present a range of successful developments and applications, and highlight future industrial demands. Case studies that present learning experiences gained from solving real problems and meeting new challenges are always well received by delegates. Authors offering new papers on major projects and novel solutions will be prioritised in the programme.

The conference is designed for everyone engaged in developing new processes, products and techniques or seeking to translate or apply micro and nano processes in different industrial sectors. As with other BHR Group conferences there is great potential for knowledge transfer between sectors that have already identified potential applications in nanotechnology and those that have yet to discover how this new area can benefit their own businesses.

The First International Conference on Nanotechnology is preceded by BHR Group's Seventh International Conference on Process intensification which covers many complementary themes and runs from 15-17 September 2008 at the same venue.

Further information about the conference can be obtained from: The Conference Organiser, BHR Group Limited, The Fluid Engineering Centre, Cranfield, Bedfordshire MK43 0AJ, Tel.: +44 (0) 1234 750422; Fax: +44 (0) 1234 750074; e-mail: conforg8@bhrgroup.com; web site: www.bhrgroup.com/confsite/index.html

BHR Group is an independent company specialising in research, development and application of innovative solutions to fluid engineering problems. Its core competence is in fluid dynamics and process technology. The company works in partnership with industry and academia developing new fluid engineering technologies, processes and products. Its services include contract research and development, consultancy, software design and development, product development, conferences, seminars and specialist training.

BHR Group is also taking part in a number of research and development projects in partnership with industry and academia. One of these projects is PROFORM, partially funded by FP6 of the EC, which aims to develop design tools and methods for the production of products containing nanoparticles in a highly dispersed, functional and stable state. Other FP6 projects in the field of nanotechnology in which BHR Group participates include Dinamics and Kristal.

For further press information please contact: The Conference Organiser, BHR Group Limited, Tel.: +01234 750422; e-mail: conforg8@bhrgroup.com; Keith Wootton, PR Consultant, BHR Group Limited; Tel.: +01327 830675; e-mail: bhr@keithwootton.co.uk

Coatings for Africa to be held in the Drakensberg again

The Coatings for Africa Symposium and Exhibition has grown from strength to strength ever since it was first held at the Champagne Sports Resort in the Drakensberg. Held every 2 years, it has grown from 260 delegates in 2004 to 330 delegates in 2006. An even higher attendance is expected on 19-21 August 2008 and registration is now open.

This is the only event that brings the South Africa coatings industry and its suppliers together in a combined symposium and exhibition. It is organised jointly by the two industry bodies, Oil and Colour Chemists' Association and SA Paint Manufacturers' Association. Speakers of international standing and reputation help to draw the decision makers in the paint, ink and adhesive industries together at this scenic venue. This encourages attendance by the exhibitors, who were very satisfied with the 2006 event. One of the important reasons for the success of the exhibition is the fact that it is set up in such a way that delegates need to walk through the exhibition to have teas and lunches, giving exhibitors maximum exposure. Diederik Viljoen of Protea Speciality Chemicals commented: “We were very pleased by the response to our stand at Coatings for Africa 2006 and will definitely book space for this year's event. It is a great opportunity to meet new and existing customers in an informal setting. Great to spend time with them on the golf course too.”

A golf tournament is arranged for the day prior to the symposium at the Champagne Sports Resort's highly acclaimed golf course. The quality of the course together with its the majestic backdrop of the Drakensberg ensure a fully-booked field and many attractive prizes are up for grabs. There are many sponsorship opportunities available for sponsoring companies to consider, both at the golf and at the symposium itself.

The theme for the symposium will be “Profitable solutions for tomorrow's world”. Papers to be presented will provide delegates with information and opportunities that could lead to increased profitability and will address the challenges facing the coatings industry in the near future. Papers have been invited which deal with any aspect of surface coatings and inks such as raw materials, manufacture, formulation, testing, quality control, application, colour, corrosion, environment, education and training.

For more information, please contact: Rosalie Howard, Tel.: +27 861 262 262; e-mail: rosalie@coa.co.za or to register visit: www.coatingsforafrica.org.za

Polyurea Development Association Europe set to grow in 2008 following successful first conference

The Polyurea Development Association (PDA) Europe is looking forward to an exciting 2008 following the success of its first annual conference. Designed to give attendees an insight into some of the legislation and technologies influencing the polyurea market today, the conference was attended by nearly 150 delegates from across Europe, India, the Middle East and the USA.

Entitled “Developing the European polyurea market together” the three day event boasted an impressive conference programme which included presentations, educational courses and live demonstrations. With a range of topics including processing, surface preparation and enhancing overall product performance, the event highlighted the benefits of specifying polyurea spray systems for a range of varied applications.

The conference, which included a tabletop exhibition, also gave delegates the chance to shape the future of the polyurea industry in Europe by networking with peers and leading international industry representatives in an informal forum.

Commenting on the event, Marc Broekaert of Huntsman and the first PDA Europe President said, “It was encouraging to have so many people attend our first annual conference. The range of topics covered and the mixture of case studies, presentations and live demonstrations guaranteed there was something on the agenda for everyone. We are also confident that it provided people with an insight into many areas of the industry they may not have been aware of before.”

Continuing he said, “Plans are already in motion for this year's event. We'll be releasing the date and further information shortly and look to inviting back last year's delegates plus welcoming many new attendees.”

About the Polyurea Development Association Europe

The PDA Europe is the official trade association for the European polyurea industry. Registered as an official, international not-for-profit association under Belgian law in June 2007, PDA Europe promotes the highest possible standards for polyurea. Leading experts from across Europe's chemical industry make up the membership base of PDA Europe providing expert advice on product quality. The association also offers best practice information on areas of environmental consideration and safety and provides an established networking forum for key industry players to discuss the future of the polyurea market. PDA Europe has close links with the American PDA which was formed in 1999.

For more information about PDA Europe please contact: PDA Europe, Avenue Marcel Thiry 204, B-1200 Brussels, Tel.: +322 774 9611; Fax: +322 774 9690; e-mail: pda-europe@kelleneurope.com