Attendees of the 2016 Polyurethanes Technical Conference, the longest-running polyurethanes conference in North America, will learn about and discuss cutting-edge polyurethane applications driving the latest innovations in a wide range of sectors, including automotive, construction and sustainability. Hosted by the Center for the Polyurethanes Industry (CPI) of the American Chemistry Council (ACC), the 59th annual conference will take place from September 26-28 in Baltimore, Maryland.

This year’s technical conference topics feature automotive, construction and sustainability issues which are at the forefront of the polyurethane industry.  Topics range from the push for global harmonization of automotive volatile organic compound (VOC) standards, to an exploration of what “sustainability” means and how it drives innovation, to the latest breakthroughs on the use of spray polyurethane foam in construction applications.

“Innovation. Information. Inspiration. That’s what the Polyurethanes Technical Conference is all about,” said Lee Salamone, senior director of CPI. “This year’s lineup of technical content showcases all the incredible work being done in our industry today, especially in the automotive, construction and sustainability issues. Attendees won’t find this level of expertise, access to leading-edge information, or quality networking anywhere else.”

Some noteworthy sessions led by renowned industry experts include:

Automotive

Quest for Global VOC Standards for Automotive Polyurethane Interior Parts
A panel of experts from the global automotive industry, European Association of Manufacturers of Moulded Polyurethanes and academia will discuss the latest efforts on global VOC standards, covering recent changes in local and regional standards, as well as the regulatory challenges facing the industry.

Automotive Part I and Part II
In these two sessions, researchers and chemists will share information on the newest advances in polyurethanes applications for automobiles, focusing on emissions control, stabilization, light-weighting and vibration reduction.

Global Automotive VOC Specifications
This moderated discussion with representatives from leading polyol and isocyanate producers and additive suppliers will review how cutting-edge technological advances in VOC control can help inform global standards.
Construction

Construction Part I and Part II
In these two sessions, researchers and chemists will share the latest advances and polyurethane applications for the construction industry, including new blends of polyurethanes, improved insulation applications and advances in spray polyurethane foams.

Spray Polyurethane Foam
Based on their real-world experiences, presenters will discuss various issues and solutions with spray polyurethane foam in construction applications.

Blowing Agents
This session will discuss application-specific developments in blowing agents used with spray polyurethane foams, including advancements in various catalysts and reduced flammability factors.Sustainability

Sustainability Roundtable
A panel of suppliers, product manufacturers and outside experts will share case studies on how they applied their vision of sustainability to reshape product innovation in their companies and new tools that can guide decision making for new product development.

Sustainability Technical Session
Researchers from a range of downstream industries will share their research into derivatives of polyurethane chemistry that enhance sustainability, such as natural oil polyols, micro-ionized powdered rubber and recycled mattress content.

Flexible Foam Renewable Polyols
This session will focus on the latest advances in renewable and sustainable technologies for use in flexible foams, including bio-based and soy-based content, and the use of carbon dioxide as a raw material.