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Course dates - click register to select dates
- 4 Mar - 1 Apr 2024
- 6 May - 3 Jun 2024
- 2 Sep - 30 Sep 2024
- 11 Nov - 09 Dec 2024
- We also run this course as an in-person event
Course details and format
- 6 hours of recorded modules available
- Live Q&A after the course
Online training: How it works
- Same high-quality content as our in-person course
- (Our in-person course features additional interactive sessions and demonstrations)
- 6+ hours of expert training delivered via recorded modules hosted online - allowing you to study at a time that suits you
- 28 days access to recordings allowing you to learn at your own pace
- Same high quality Smithers' training experience
- Live Q&A with course tutors - ask questions and consolidate learning
- No travel costs or complexities
- Electronic copies of course notes
Course overview
This course will provide a simplified explanation of the manufacture of polyurethanes. It covers the generic chemistry by which they are all formed and how additives are used to achieve the modifications that give us the wide range of properties that make these materials so versatile.The unique structure of the polyurethanes supply chain will also be explained in relation to the process stage and application.
The course is intended as an introduction for people who may have had little formal training or education with these materials. It will also be useful to people whose core business lies outside PU manufacture who supply into or purchase from PU manufacturers and require a reasonable technical appreciation of the industry.
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Learning outcomes
- A fuller understanding of the structure and properties of the basic building blocks (polyols, isocyanates) to be able to make meaningful choices of which raw materials to use in particular applications.
- A greater understanding of the importance and use of the wide range of additives which 'make the chemistry work' for particular applications.
- The confidence and ability to have more meaningful conversations with clients, customers and colleagues on product or market developments.
- An appreciation of the processing techniques available and the quality procedures and standards to be met to get the products into the market place.
- Awareness of the enabling agencies involved in the product stewardship of chemicals manufactured and used in the PU Industry and some technologies available for PU end-of-use possibilities.
Gain CPD credits
Smithers is an IOM3 Quality Assured training provider and our courses are approved towards professional development.
Course content
Introduction- What is a polymer?
- A generic introduction
- What are polyurethanes?
- An overview of this highly versatile polymer; its products and applications
- Overview of PU products and applications
- Overview of PU market segmentation and supply chain:
- Chemical packages, systems houses and customers - an explanation of the structure of the PU Supply Chain: e.g. the chemical manufacturer, the systems house, the manufacturer or the end user and the economic and logistical factors that impact upon the ‘chemical package’ the customer purchases
A very concise but important overview of the (complex) chemistry involved and the various basic building blocks that are required to produce the wide range of products, both thermosetting and thermoplastic. Covers the function of additives: blowing agents (including water), catalysts, surfactants, UV stabilizers and antioxidants, cell modifiers, flame retardants and others which help to determine and control the properties of PU. Explores how molecular structure affects the properties of these materials.
- Building blocks - isocyanates, polyols, additives
- Polymer structures
Explores quality control for measuring consistency, inspection of both incoming raw materials and outgoing finished products
- PU raw materials
- PU finished goods
- Rigid and flexible foam
- Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants and Elastomers (CASE)
- Thermoplastic polyurethane (TPU)
Who will benefit?
- Newcomers to the PU industry or those who have had no formal technical training in, or prior knowledge of, PU – typical positions include: junior processing technicians, analysts, quality control / quality assurance technicians, EHS practitioners.
- Managers and professionals in areas such as sales, marketing, purchasing and other roles where a knowledge of PU materials and processing technologies would improve confidence and communication with customers, suppliers and colleagues.
- Suppliers to the PU industry themselves, whether it be raw materials or engineering or machinery.
- PU Systems end-users (foamers, extruders): production managers, engineers.
- Non-PU polymer industries; technical/ business managers who want a basic insight into the technical practicalities of PU Manufacture.
Presenter information
- Mark Andrews
- Mark gained a Masters in Chemistry at the University of Bristol which was followed by three years working for Hitex International, developing plastic for road surfaces. This included polyurethane and other thermoplastic and thermosets. More recently, he has also worked as Application Development Team Leader at Econic Technologies, working with polyols made using CO2 as feedstock, and developing them for polyurethane applications.
What our delegates say about the content
"Very useful overview, good concise lecture notes, very helpful for future"Bethany Turner (Apollo Chemicals Ltd)