The Hindu Business Line : Meet to discuss research in rubber tech

Kochi, Oct 31 Providing a forum for discussion on the latest technological opportunities, trends and developments in the field of rubber science and allied material technologies, the India International Rubber Conference and Expo 2007 would bring together scientists, technologists, managers, engineers and other professionals working across the world on the various facets of the rubber industry.

The IIRC 07 is being organised at Udaipur, Rajasthan, between November 1 and 3.

Eminent speakers from the Rubber Board, Columbian Chemicals - USA, BSI India and International Rubber Research and Development Board, Malaysia, are expected to make presentations on a wide array of topics. Dr Mukhopadhyay, Chief Convener of IIRC, said: “The basic objective of this conference is to provide support to Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur, to set up a full-fledged centre for polymer science and rubber technology for the promotion of education and research in rubber science and allied material technology.”

The conference is being organised by Hari Shankar Singhania Elastomer and Tyre Research Institute, an independent research institute, promoted by JK Tyre & Industries in association with Indian Rubber Institute and Mohanlal Sukhadia University.

The conference is expected to highlight the latest advances in rubber sciences and technology.

Almost 600 delegates including 150 from abroad are expected to participate in IIRC 07.

Considering the growth of the Indian economy, especially in the manufacturing sector, it has become imperative for the rubber industry to upgrade their knowledge on a continuous basis. It has been predicted that by 2012, four per cent of Indian GDP will come from automotive industry alone. To keep pace with this growth, it is essential for auto rubber component manufacturers to upgrade the quality of products as per international standards and also to enhance their knowledge and understanding about testing and standardization.

The Technical Committee has arranged seven plenary sessions and fifteen technical sessions wherein seventy five technical, research and techno-commercial papers would be presented. About 100 stalls have been arranged to display rubber materials, machinery, testing equipment and various rubber products.

Plenary Sessions include topics such as future global raw material scenario in rubber industry (natural rubber, synthetic rubber, carbon black, silica, steel tyre cord, organic tyre cord, rubber chemicals and polymer nano-composites). Rubber processing and engineering (mixing, extrusion, calendaring and moulding), advanced tyre technology and testing, rubber components for automobiles and importance of testing and standardisation in rubber industry would be some of the other sessions.