Essentials of Rubber Science & Technology

Cost: $1,800 USD
CEU's: 2.4
Instructor: Joseph Walker

Course Overview

PLEASE NOTE: This course is comprised of 4 consecutive one-day-a-week sessions. Each course series will run from 8:30am - 4:00pm, with each meeting on the same day-of-week as the start date.

This course provides the attendee with essential information in rubber science and technology. The course is designed to provide a practical understanding of polymer science and the various rubber polymers. Discussions on where the rubber polymers come from and how they are made and how their architecture determines they basic characteristics. Basic design elements that make rubber a unique engineering material is also presented. Formulation of rubber compounds will be presented by looking into the major constituents of a rubber compound. This topic begins with understanding the importance of the function of the final rubber article and the method that will be used to manufacture it. Construction of the rubber compound follows by way of looking at the compounding ingredients; anti-degradants; fillers; plasticizers, curing agents and processing aids (plasticizers). We will discuss the mixing of the compound with the aim of measuring consistency between batches. Testing of the rubber compound will include in-process testing and then final characteristics with review of appropriate ASTM methods. In depth review of critical measurement techniques such as cure meters and mechanical testing is included. We will discuss longevity tests such as compression stress relaxation. Fabrication discussions surrounding molding and extrusions essentials and how to establish these production methods to give the maximum performance repeatability from the final rubber parts. The course will also present materials important to rubber-to-substrate bonding with particular emphasis on metal substrates and surface preparation. Included in the course is subject matter directed toward writing and interpreting rubber specifications. The course is presented for the hands-on individual who deals with rubber engineering, customer interaction and shop floor consistency issues. It is intentionally designed for practical implementation and reference.

Online Course Requirements

We want you to have a great experience participating in our remote (online) courses, and for that, you’ll need the right equipment and internet connection.

Minimum needs are:

• A broadband internet connection that has at least a 2 Mbps upload and download speed.
• A computer (PC or Mac) that can support the latest web browser versions.
• At least 4 GB of RAM and adequate hard drive space.
• A microphone and a speaker.

For more information, visit our Online Course Requirements webpage.

Instructor Biography:

Joseph Walker is President of Elastomer Technologies, which he founded in 1989. It is a firm now dedicated to training in elastomer materials and process engineering, technical assessments and fit-for-function design reviews. Over the last 45+ years, Walker has conducted training for major organizations and universities. He has also consulted for various customers in the areas of composites, testing, materials and shop-floor problem solving. His focus is on a heightened awareness on the science behind rubber technology and improving the overall image and raising awareness of the importance of the rubber industry to our lives and our nation. He pushes the industry towards one of science-bases decision making through increased educational outreach. He is also active in driving awareness to supply chain risks and threats to the US rubber industry. He is currently consulting with the US Department of Commerce on the supply chain threats to industry.

For 24 years he was held positions at Freudenberg-NOK and then Freudenberg Sealing Technologies (FNST) where he retired as global technology director for materials and laboratories. In this position, he was globally responsible for overseeing advanced materials technology and management of the FNST/FST laboratories. He was also the regional USMCA leader for Chemical Regulatory Compliance for FNST.

Prior to joining Freudenberg, Walker served as silicone rubber business team leader for Wacker Silicones Corp. There, he was responsible for research, development, and sales and marketing. He was an engineering fellow for Alliant Techsystems (formally Honeywell Defense and Marine Systems) and now Northrup-Grumman, where he focused on material design, processing and application for various U.S. Department of Defense programs.

Walker also held positions at Stauffer Chemical, Phillips Petroleum Co. and Firestone Tire & Rubber Co. He continues to conduct numerous trainings at various industry workshops, universities and events.

He was the 2012 chairman of the American Chemical Society, Rubber Division and is past-chair and board member emeritus of the Detroit Rubber Group; a founding member of the Rubber Industry Advisory Board for Ferris State University; former board member of the Association of Rubber Product Manufacturers; current technical coordinator for the ARPM Training Academy. Additionally, he is a member of Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, Original Equipment Suppliers Association, Automotive Industry Action Group (AIAG), and the Americas Tech Team of the American Chemistry Council. A graduate of Lawrence Institute of Technology, he holds more than 20 patents and has authored and edited various chapters in text and industry publications.