SHROPSHIRE, UK (May 12, 2010) - iSmithers, formerly the information group within Smithers Rapra Technology Ltd., a subsidiary of U.S.-based independent testing, research and consulting organisation, The Smithers Group, is bringing the thirteenth annual conference on thermoplastic elastomers to Cologne on October 26-27.

This year's conference will be the perfect complement to the world renowned K International Trade Fair for Plastics and Rubber which takes place in nearby Düsseldorf during the same week.

The two day conference boasts an expert speaker panel and a good balance of application-driven papers from both industry and academia with contributions from Dow Chemical Company, Arkema, Exxon Mobil, Kuraray, DSM Thermoplastic Elastomers and GLS/PolyOne to name a few.   The meeting will be the ideal forum for OEMs to achieve the multi-tier collaboration needed to influence the performance of their products.

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.  New processing techniques for compounding TPVs together with new TPVs for automotive applications and the UV performance of TPVs will also be amongst the topics for discussion.

To view the final technical programme or receive further details visit www.polymerconferences.com.  All registrations received before 20 August will be entitled to a €300 discount.

For more information on the TPE conference, contact Sharon Garrington sgarrington@ismithers.net and view forthcoming conferences at www.ismithers.net/conferences.