US flexible foams group calls for papers

By David Reed, UT EditorKnoxville, Tennessee-There are just eight slots for presentations in the technical programme at the 3-4 May meeting of the Polyurethane Foam Association in Washington DC-and just one of the presentations will be eligible for the $500 Herman Stone award for technical excellence.Papers summarising recent flexible polyurethane foam research, product developments, field studies, innovations in formulation or processing technology will be considered, the 23 Jan. announcement from the PFA says. In addition, the papers must have non-commercial merits and specifically address topics related to flexible polyurethane foam production in North America.The technical programme is scheduled to run on the afternoon of the first day of the event which also includes a general business meeting and an industry reception. Conference presenters will be required to register for the whole event, at $250 for PFA members and $500 for non-members.Companies wishing to be considered for inclusion in the technical session should send a short abstract of the intended content by 17 Feb. by Email at or fax: +1 865-690-4649. Formal written papers (template will be supplied) will be due 21 April, the PFA statement adds.Registration and hotel reservation information will be provided online at www.pfa.org from 10 March."