ONLINE COURSE: Essentials of Rubber Science & Technology

Course Number: 159-0978
Date: 05/05/2023 - 05/26/2023
Time: 8:30 AM - 4:00 PM
Location: Microsoft Teams
Cost: $1,800 USD
Online Registration
CEU's: 2.4
Instructor: Joseph Walker

Course Overview

PLEASE NOTE: This course is comprised of 4 separate days of training. Each course date listed below will run from 8:30am - 4:00pm.

May 5: Module 1 & 2
May 12: Module 3
May 19: Module 4 & 5
May 26: Module 6 & 7

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.
• International Students: For virtual (online) courses, an additional fee will be assessed to cover the cost of shipping the professional binder (presentation slides), to your address. The cost of international shipping can be significant.

For more information, visit our Online Course Requirements webpage.

Instructor Biography:

Joseph Walker is owner and founder of Elastomer Technologies a firm dedicated to training in elastomer materials and process engineering. Over the last 31 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 a heightened awareness on the science behind rubber technology and improving the overall image of the rubber industry toward one of science-bases decision making through increased educational outreach.

Walker is also the global technology director for materials and laboratories for Freudenberg Sealing Technologies and Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies (FNST). In this position, he is globally responsible for overseeing all advanced materials technology development and management of the FNST/FST laboratories. He is also the regional NAFTA leader for Chemical Regulatory Compliance for FNST. He is located in the Plymouth, MI Corporate R&D headquarters of Freudenberg-NOK Sealing Technologies.

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. Previously, he was an engineering fellow for Alliant Techsystems (formally Honeywell Defense and Marine Systems), 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 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; a member of the Rubber Industry Advisory Board for Ferris State University; board member of the Association of Rubber Product Manufacturers and is past-chair and board member of the Detroit Rubber Group. Additionally, he is a member of Society of Automotive Engineers, Society of Plastics Engineers, Original Equipment Suppliers Association, Automotive Industry Action Group, and the Americas Tech Team of the American Chemistry Council.

A graduate of Lawrence Technological University, he holds more than 20 patents and has authored and edited various chapters in text and industry publications. He is celebrating his 42nd year in the rubber industry.