POLYMER REACTION ENGINEERING IX (PRE 9)

An ECI Conference Series

May 10-15, 2015
Meliá Paradisus Resort Cancun
Cancun, Mexico

Call for Abstracts!                        Abstract Deadline:  December 12, 2014

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About This Conference

Engineering Conferences International is sponsoring the ninth conference in the series on Polymer Reaction Engineering.  The conference will take place May 10-15, 2015 at the Melia Paradisus Cancun in Cancun, Mexico.

This conference provides a forum for presentation of emerging technologies and scientific advancements in the area of polymer reaction engineering. The speakers and attendees will come from several sectors of academia and industry or other research organizations. This format has been adopted for the last eight PRE conferences and found to be very successful.

Program Outline
Conference (lecture) sessions (no parallel sessions) are scheduled on the following topics:

Session 1. Product Engineering I: Advances in Polymer Science

a.         Ionic Polymerizations
b.         Conventional Free-Radical and Controlled Radical Polymerizations
c.         Coordination chemistry and catalysis
d.         Polycondensation
e.         Non-linear polymerizations and crosslinking systems
f.          Advances in polymer characterization techniques
 
Session co-chairs:
Dr. Min Zhang (DuPont, USA) a Prof. Michael Monteiro (The University of Queensland, Australia)

Invited speakers and tentative presentation titles:
1. Prof.Michael Monteiro
The University of Queensland, Australia) Title to be defined<
2. Others to be announced at a later update.

Session 2. Product Engineering II: Developing Trends in Polymer Chemistry Topics in PRE

a.  Polymers from biological or renewable sources
b.  Biodegradable and biosourced polymers
c.  Dendritic, hyperbranched and non linear polymers
d.  Enzymatic polymerizations
e.  Hybrid organic-inorganic materials synthesis
f.  Nano-materials, nanocomposites and thin films
g.  Conductive polymers
h.  “Smart” polymers amphiphilic, structured/block polymers and structures
i.  Polymers for biomedical applications
j.  Functionalization and modification of polymers

Session co-chairs:
Dr. Yvon Durant (Itaconix, USA) and Prof. Marc A. Dubé (University of Ottawa, Canada)

Invited speakers and tentative presentation titles:

1. Dr. Yvon Durant (Itaconix, USA)  Title to be defined
2. Others to be announced at a later update.

Session 3: Enabling Research in PRE I: Process Modeling, Simulation, Optimization and Control

a.  Modeling of new polymerization processes
b.  New sensors and technology for online monitoring
c.  Monitoring, optimization and control of polymerization processes
d.  New modeling techniques (data mining, optimization and control approaches)
e.  Use of modeling tools in Product Design

Session co-chairs:
Dr. Kenneth Leffew (DuPont, USA) and Prof. Alex Penlidis (University of Waterloo, Canada)

Invited speakers and tentative presentation titles
1. Professor Hidetaka Tobita (University of Fukui, Japan
“Modeling and simulation method for nonlinear polymer formation”
2. Dr. Wolfgang Gerlinger (BASF, Germany
“Model-based engineering: How can we describe application properties from polymer structure?”
3. Others to be announced at a later update.

Session 4: Enabling Research in PRE II: Kinetics, Thermodynamics, and Multi-Scale Modeling

a. Advances in the modeling of physico-chemical phenomena in polymerizations
b. Modeling of multiple-phase polymer systems
c. Multi-scale modeling
d. Polymers at Surfaces and Interfaces
e. Molecular modeling and PRE
f. Structure-property-performance relationships
g. Measurement and estimation of rate coefficients

Session co-chairs:
Dr. Klaus-Dieter Hungenberg (BASF-retired, Germany) and Prof. Mike Cunningham (Queen’s University, Canada)

Invited speakers and tentative presentation titles:

Invited speakers for this session will be announced in a later update.

Session 5: Process Engineering I: Production issues of Polymerization Processes

a. Dispersed phase polymerization processes
b. Controlled-radical polymerization processes
c. Rubber process and technology
d. Polyolefin production processes
e. Mixing and scale-up of polymer processes

Session co-chairs:
Dr. Thomas W. Karjala (Dow Chemical, USA) and Dr. Enrique Saldívar-Guerra (CIQA, Mexico)

Invited speakers and tentative presentation titles:

Invited speakers for this session will be announced at a later update.

Session 6: Process Engineering II: Sustainability, Innovation, Intensification of Polymer Processes and Future Trends

a. Processes in environmentally benign solvents (CO2, ionic liquids, aqueous phase)
b. Recycling, compounding and reactive processing
c. Production of environmentally and regulatory compliant polymer products
d. Radiation activated (microwave, UV, e-beam, gamma, etc.) polymerizations
e. Trends in the innovation process (in-house research, university or government fundedresearch, multinational and multidisciplinary research, etc.)
f. New reactors and processes for polymer reaction engineering
g. Energy conservation initiatives (degassing of polymers, etc.)

Session co-chairs:
Dr. Philip Nising (Sulzer, Switzerland) and Prof. Christophe Serra (University of Strasbourg, France)

Invited speakers and tentative presentation titles:

Invited speakers for this session will be announced at a later update.

Additional oral presentations will be selected based on abstract submissions for the poster session.

Conference Plenary Lecture

A conference plenary speaker will be announced at a later date.

Conference Organization

The Program chair is Professor Eduardo Vivaldo-Lima (UNAM, Mexico) and the Program co-chairs are Dr. Jon Debling (BASF, USA), and Dr. Fernando Zaldo-Garcia (COMEX, Mexico) and Professor John Tsavalas (University of New Hampshire, USA).

The scientific committee includes:

      • Professor Michael Cunningham (Queen’s University, Canada)
      • Professor Hidetaka Tobita (University of Fukui, Japan)
      • Professor Christophe Serra (University of Strasbourg, France)
      • Dr. Enrique Saldivar-Guerra (CIQA, Mexico)
      • Dr. Klaus-Dieter Hungenberg (BASF, Germany – retired)
      • Dr. Philip Nising (Sulzer, Switzerland)
      • Dr. Min Zhang (DuPont, USA)
      • Dr. Javier Revilla-Vazquez (Dynasol Elastomers, Mexico).

The Poster Sessions co-chairs are Prof. Robin Hutchinson (Queen’s University, Canada), Dr. Afsaneh Nabifar (BASF, USA), and Dr. Helmut Meyer (THM Nano, Bayer-retired, Germany).

Abstract Submission for Poster Session

Poster sessions and submission of abstracts

Participants are strongly encouraged to submit abstracts for the poster sessions as they form an integral part of the meeting. As noted above, additional oral presentations will be selected based on abstract submissions for the poster session. 

One-page abstracts that include specific results and conclusions to allow a scientific assessment of proposed presentation are invited. All abstracts should be submitted electronically must follow the template provided at This Link.
Abstract deadline: December 12, 2014

There will be overall poster awards as well as special poster awards for presentations by graduate students.

The Poster Sessions co-chairs are Prof. Robin Hutchinson (Queen’s University, Canada), Dr. Afsaneh Nabifar (BASF, USA), and Dr. Helmut Meyer (THM Nano, Bayer-retired, Germany).

Publications

The meeting notes will include copies of all presentations (short abstracts and copies of the slides). The notes will be distributed to all participants.

As was done in previous PRE conferences, more details will be given later for the deadline for submission of papers of PRE 9, to be peer-reviewed and published together in a separate special issue of Macromolecular Symposia (http://www.ms-journal.de). The journal publishes selected contributions from international conferences, symposia and meetings in the field of macromolecular science and related areas of research.  All submitted contributions are peer-reviewed to ensure a high quality of published manuscripts.  Accepted articles will be typeset and published as a hardcover edition together with online publication at Wiley InterScience, thereby guaranteeing an immediate international dissemination.  Macromolecular Symposia is covered in ISI Proceedings as a body of literature distinct from non-proceedings material, where all proceedings publications are covered.

Conference Sponsors

PRE 9 Conference Sponsors

Wiley-VCH
Industrial Sponsors: BASF

Additional sponsors will be posted here as they are confirmed.

There will  be opportunities for  for sponsor table displays, along with the poster sessions.

Conference Venue

 Cancun, Mexico  Cancún is Mexico’s showcase resort destination. Aside from its world-class tourist attractions including warm, white sand beaches and crystal clear indigo seas, there is much of historical interest. Cancún makes a convenient base for exploring other parts of the Yucatán such as the famous must-see Mayan Ruins at Chichén Itzá (a UNESCO World-Heritage Site) and Tulum. The ruins of Chichén Itzá, the remains of a once-great Mayan city and one of the world’s best-known archeological sites, are about two hours away.  About 90 minutes south of downtown Cancún are the Tulum ruins, dramatically situated on a cliff overlooking the Caribbean.  Just a few kilometers from the hotel is the Zona Arqueologica El Rey.  Here you can appreciate the vestiges of one of the most interesting ancient civilizations of the Americas: The Mayans.  These ruins are a window into the history of México, and are Cancun’s largest archeological site.  You can get there by taxi, local bus or by walking.

The sixty-mile stretch of Quintana Roo coastline from Puerto Morelos to the town of Tulum is known as the Riviera Maya.  It is a rapidly growing region of nature-oriented attractions where visitors can snorkel and dive in cenotes (freshwater sink-holes), view a rich diversity of wildlife and explore beautiful beaches.  The sport fishing is rewarding, and an offshore coral reef guarantees superb diving and snorkeling.  Bird watching on Isla Contoy is a good activity to explore Cancun’s wildlife as are the eco-parks like Xcaret and Xel-ha.

Peaceful, provincial life here is more picturesque, folkloric and the simplicity of some of the shops provides a stark contrast to the four and five star hotels along Boulevard Kuculkán.  The city itself has many cultural attractions such as art museums or ballet but it is not colonial Mexico, steeped in time and tradition.

Water Sports: The varieties of water sports are some of the main attractions for visitors to Cancun as Cancun is known for some of the world’s finest beaches and the Great Mesoamerican Reef which is the second largest reef in the world. With more than 14 miles of white powdery sand beach and the spectacular reef, Cancun water sports are an enthusiast’s dream. Whether you want to windsurf, parasail, or learn to scuba dive, Cancun is the perfect water sports destination.

Cancun Golf: Cancun and Riviera Maya golf courses are in some of the most beautiful settings imaginable.  These courses meet the highest standards set by professional golf tournaments and expert golfers.  These golf course designs have come from some of the game’s greatest names, including: Jack Nicklaus, Robert Trent Jones, Jr., Robert Von Hagge, Isao Aoki, Greg Norman and P.B. Dye. The golf courses feature challenging fairways as they present players with distinctive curves and gentle hills, all framed by colorful tropical vegetation. Some are even built around ancient Mayan temples. From tee to green, views of the Caribbean’s turquoise waters and pure white beaches stretch out in the distance with an abundance of wildlife in view.

Shopping: The shopping in Cancun is very impressive. There is everything from ultra-chic designer stores and famous brand names, to flea markets and souvenir shops selling Mexican local handcrafts. Cancun shopping is duty free so there are bargains to be found in cosmetics and fine jewelry.

Conference Hotel
Conference participants will stay at the Meliá Paradisus Resort Cancun , where the technical sessions will be held.  The guest rooms are housed in five soaring, pyramid-shaped buildings.  The public areas are towering and jungle-like, festooned with hanging plants, dripping with water and incorporating decorative elements – including statues, frescos and calendars – that reflect the Mayan motifs and culture.

Evocative of an ancient Mayan civilization; the hotel’s pyramid-shaped buildings mount the sky and slip back into the sandy Caribbean shore. The Paradisus is a 5-star, AAA 4-diamond beachfront resort. Four pools (including one for children), luxurious guestrooms, dining, wellness center with Life Fitness equipment, and the hotel’s renowned YHI Spa are only a taste of a collection of services and amenities offered. The hotel also offers a 9-hole, par 3 golf course, lighted tennis court and paddle tennis course, plus non-motorized water sports, kayaks, canoes, windsurfing, water bikes, snorkeling, sunfish sailing and diving lesions at the pool.  There is a miniclub for children from 5 to 12 years old and the resort is situated across the street from Aqua World, one of Cancun’s preeminent marinas where one can enjoy water sports for the whole family.  A new addition is the Family Concierge, a service that caters to families bringing children.

The hotel offers free wireless internet access in the meeting rooms and public areas.  From experience at previous conferences here, we find it difficult to predict the speed of communication as there has been a proliferation of laptops, iPads, and smart phones.

Participants who wish to bring back souvenirs of their Cancun stay will find that the hotel’s local souvenir store has a good selection of items and very good set prices.  There are markets in town with a huge variety of items; however, one needs to negotiate prices with the vendors.

Positioned in Cancun’s Hotel Zone, the Gran Meliá Cancun hotel is within 5 minutes from the city’s premier shopping centers, 15 minutes from the International Airport, and within close proximity to the downtown and many exciting entertainment venues.

Travel Information

Airport Transportation:

Information on transfer from the Cancun Airport to the hotel:  The airport is located 16 km south of the city of Cancun and 10 km from the hotel district. Transportation to and from the airport is done mostly by minivans. There are several choices of companies; however, a company we have used before in Cancun is CancunShuttle.com (http://www.cancunshuttle.com) and we do recommend their servicesMake your round-trip reservation on-line in order to get the best price.  A shared van ride is the best buy if you are coming individually.  If you arrive without a reservation, you will need to pay the “airport” price for your reservation.  Only approved companies can operate at the airport and there are no lines of taxis.

Procedure for finding your transportation: A CancunShuttle.com representative will welcome you right outside your arrival terminal with a sign with their logo on it. The company monitors flights, but if you change your flight and you are arriving on a totally different flight at a totally different time, please call their office toll free from the US and Canada at 1-888-414-0017 or from around the world at +52 998 848 0335 and let them know the new flight information.  They will update your arrival and move your vehicle to the new time.

When you arrive to the airport in Cancun, you will first go through immigration and then to baggage claim. Once you have your luggage, you will proceed to customs. Customs procedures can take 5 minutes or 45 minutes depending on how many people are clearing customs before you or if your luggage is going to be inspected. (Luggage inspection is random – you press a button and either a green (no inspection) or red (inspection) light appears. After you have cleared customs, please proceed to walk outside the arrival terminal. — all the way outside – there you will look for the CancunShuttle.com representative (usually wearing an orange vest) with a sign with the CancunShuttle logo. Once you have located the representative, identify yourself, if necessary show him your Paypal receipt or the confirmation email you received and he/she will take you to the vehicle which is going to take you to your hotel. If you reserved a round trip service, then the representative at the airport will issue a voucher with departure instructions such as pick up times and the local contact numbers in case you need to make changes.

Note that on the return trip, the company will pick you up 3 hours prior to your flight.  This is because the airport can be quite busy.

If you have any questions, please contact them at 1-888-414-0017 (US or Canada).  From inside Mexico TOLL FREE at 01 800 822 7116 – From the rest of the world at +52 998 848 0335 (Main office Cancun) or by email at contact@cancunshuttle.com

Notes:

(1)   As you exit the baggage area, you will be besieged by transit and timeshare representatives who can look very official, perhaps offering you free transportation.  Go past them to find the CancunShuttle representative.

(2)   Drivers from the airport expect a tip because of help with luggage.

Local Information:

Official Language
The official language of the conference is English and will be used for all presentations and printed materials.

Local Time Zones
In May, Cancun, Mexico will be observing Daylight Time (CDT).

Dialing Codes
Mexico’s International Country code: +52
Cancun’s Local Area Code: 998

Climate
During the early morning hours of an average May day in Cancun, you can expect the temperature will be in the vicinity of 76oF. In May, temperatures typically rise to around 86o by early afternoon. By the early evening hours in May the temperature will generally fall to somewhere in the vicinity of 81o. Overall, temperatures in Cancun during May average around 82o.

Currency Exchange
The national currency in Mexico is the Peso ($). For current exchange rates, please visit www.xe.com. Normal banking hours in Mexico are Monday through Friday 9:00 – 16:00.  There is an ATM at the hotel on the ground floor.

Traveler’s Checks and Credit Cards
Credit cards, including MasterCard®, Discover®, Diners Club®, Visa® and American Express®, and traveler’s checks are accepted at most hotels, restaurants, department stores, and souvenir shops.

Tipping Standards
10% – 15% is standard for meals. For skycaps, doormen, porters and bellman, $1.00 per bag is standard and $1.00 per night for housekeeping.

Electricity
Electricity throughout Mexico, like the United States is 110V, 60 Hz.

Food and Water
Mexican food uses many regional spices. For those with delicate stomachs it may be advisable to request sauces on the side. Although food from street vendors is tasty, it is not recommended. Also, it is best to drink bottled water when possible. The major Cancun hotels have their own water preparation system; their water is safe to drink.

Conference Attire
Attire during the duration of the conference is casual.

Cellular Phones, Pagers and Watch Alarms
As a courtesy to our speakers and other conference participants, please turn off any cellular phones, pagers and watch alarms during sessions.

Cameras and Video Tape Recording
Cameras and video tape recorders are prohibited in the sessions and during poster presentations.

Smoking
ECI conferences are smoke-free.

Fees and Registration

Conference Fees

The conference fee is all-inclusive. It includes registration, conference publication, accommodation, meals, taxes and gratuities from dinner on May 10 through lunch on May 15, 2015.  Conference fees will be posted when the preliminary program is available in January 2015.

Preliminary Program

Coming soon!

Please forward this link to a colleague who might be interested in this topic.

ECI Information

Engineering Conferences International (ECI) is a global engineering conferences program, originally established in 1962, that provides opportunities for the exploration of problems and issues of concern to engineers and scientists from many disciplines.

The format of the weeklong research conference provides morning and late afternoon or evening sessions in which major presentations are made. Available time is included during the afternoons for ad hoc meetings, informal discussions, and/or recreation. This format is designed to enhance rapport among participants and promote dialogue on the development of the meeting. We believe that the conferences have been instrumental in generating ideas and disseminating information to a greater extent than is possible through more conventional forums.

All participants are expected both to attend the entire conference and to contribute actively to the discussions. The recording/photographing of lectures and presentations is forbidden. As ECI conferences take place in an informal atmosphere, casual clothing is the usual attire.

Engineering Conferences International
32 Broadway, Suite 314, New York, NY 10004
T: 1-212-514-6760 F: 1-212-514-6030 E: info@engconfintl.org

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