Freudenberg's Walker to Speak about Material Opportunities and Challenges at Global Conference

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Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies

Aug 20, 2012, 11:29 ET

PLYMOUTH, Mich., Aug. 20, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- The global polymer industry is at a strategic crossroads: as crucial industrial raw materials become more scarce, demand for those resources – or acceptable substitutes – is escalating at an unprecedented rate across multiple markets.

Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FST) has long been at the forefront of material research and development efforts to address changes in the polymer industry. FST, the world's largest producer of elastomeric seals and custom molded products for industries including the automotive, aerospace, energy and heavy industry, is aggressively pursuing materials innovations designed to meet customers' current and future product demands.

On Aug. 27, Joseph Walker, FST corporate director of Materials Development and Chemical Regulatory Compliance in the Americas, and chairman of the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society, will discuss resource innovation and the rubber industry at a global polymer conference.

The Rubber and Plastics Research Association (RAPRA) is hosting its first Global Polymer Innovation Expo in Columbus, Ohio on Aug 26 through 29. Walker, who will represent the American Chemical Society at the conference, will focus on the critical need to support resource development and material innovations at both the corporate and organizational level.

"Rubber product manufacturing is a critical technology for our nation," Walker said. "Rubber science and technology touches everyone's life every day. This silent technology enables industrial advances in many areas that would not, otherwise, be possible."

Key ideas in Walker's EXPO presentation include:

  • Innovation is the root of growth and paramount to the rubber industry.
  • Fewer internal resources are now available for R&D within rubber companies.
  • Demands for innovative new solutions are escalating.
  • Organizations must network and collaborate to extend resources.
  • Events like the Global Polymer Innovation Expo provide a crucial forum for rubber industry organizations and suppliers to share innovations and ideas.

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies, the America's division of FST, has recently introduced significant material breakthroughs including commercialization of FluoroXprene®, a family of fluoroelastomers that process like plastic but have the flexibility of rubber, UV-curable bore sealants and a new low-density silicone material, AMS 3302 and AMS 3303, that provides a 17 percent weight savings over similar materials.

The American Chemical Society is a congressionally chartered independent membership organization which represents professionals at all degree levels and in all fields of chemistry and sciences that involve chemistry.

Focused on global polymer innovation, RAPRA's mission is to help members and the polymer industry not only drive but thrive through innovation and successful commercialization. By strategically collaborating with cross-industry business and technical services, RAPRA is able to create value by connecting members to opportunities, networks and education. The EXPO will help stimulate awareness, job growth, collaboration and innovation in the international polymer industry. The EXPO will focus on six industry areas including:

  • Conductive and electronic polymers
  • Polymer nanocomposites
  • High-performance polymers
  • Bio-based polymers and feedstocks
  • Degradable and recyclable polymers
  • Direct digital (additive) manufacturing

For more information about the EXPO, please go to: www.GlobalPolymerInnovationEXPO.com.

About Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is the Americas joint venture between Freudenberg and Company in Germany and NOK Corporation in Japan. Founded in 1989 under the legal name Freudenberg-NOK General Partnership, Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is a leading producer of advanced sealing and elastomeric technologies for a variety of industries including automotive, aerospace, appliance, diesel engine, agriculture, construction, heavy industry, and alternate energy.

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is headquartered in Plymouth, Mich., and has facilities throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, Brazil and Malaysia. With annual revenues approaching $US 1 billion, the company employed approximately 4,700 people in 2011. For additional information, please visit www.freudenberg-nok.com.

Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies is part of the Freudenberg & Co. Group of Germany. Freudenberg & Co. is a family of companies specializing in seals and vibration control technology, nonwovens, filtration, lubricants and release agents and other specialty business areas. The Freudenberg Group generated sales of more than $7.8 billion and had 37,000 employees in 2011. For additional information, please visit www.freudenberg.com.                                   

SOURCE Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies