API offers polyurethane training courses

By David Reed, UT EditorArlington, Virginia-The Alliance for the Polyurethanes Industry (API) will once again offer multiple educational/training courses in conjunction with its Polyurethanes 2005 Technical Conference & Trade Fair, taking place 16-19 Oct. at the Hilton Americas in Houston, Texas. The courses are part of its 2005 Professional Development Program (PDP).The programme will include six seminars cover a wide range and level of polyurethane-related topics, including:* Markets and applications; * Chemistry and technology;* Flexible and rigid foams;* CASE (coatings, adhesives, sealants and elastomers);* Testing, specifications and performance: the myth and the magic; and* Building code introduction and overview of US model building code fire performance requirements."Our highly successful professional development program offers something for everyone and is unsurpassed in the industry," says Dick Mericle, executive director of API. "We offer a full range of course levels, from introductory courses for those new to polyurethane and considering using it in their end-use products, to advanced courses for those with more experience."The courses will be taught by industry experts and consultants. Fees for the seminars range from $350 for half-day courses to $550 for full-day courses. A discount is offered for API member companies, as well as for students and individuals who also register for the Polyurethanes 2005 Technical Conference & Trade Fair.This year's Polyurethanes Technical Conference & Trade Fair offers more than 80 technical papers on a wide variety of topics, including appliance applications; automotive interior trim and structural RIM applications; blowing agents; coatings, sealants and adhesives; combustibility issues; construction; elastomers and TPU; environmental, health and safety issues; footwear; furnishings; fundamentals; processing innovations; recycling; and regulatory updates. API anticipates that the event will attract more than 1200 people from 40 countries.For more information about API and the Polyurethanes 2005 technical conference & trade fair, contact API at +1 703-741-5656, or visit the API web site at www.polyurethane.org"