RDLogoPRESS RELEASE
For Immediate Release:
March 3, 2009
Rubber Division Holds 175th Technical Meeting &
4th Rubber Modified Asphalt Conference
Registration and Housing Now Open!
The 175th Technical Meeting of the Rubber Division, ACS will be held May 4-6, 2009 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel in Akron, Ohio.  Dick Wilkerson, Chairman and President of Michelin North American will deliver the keynote address.  Also featured are 24 invited industry and academia researchers, specialists and technologists to report on the latest scientific and technical advances in the rubber and polymer industries.  Details of the technical symposia, special events, meeting schedule and registration can be found at http://www.rubber.org/meetings/spring.htm.

Six distinguished individuals will be honored for their significant achievements to enhance science, technology and business across the evolving elastomeric community during the Science & Technology Awards luncheon on May 5.  Awards will be presented to the winners listed below.
  • Dr. James L. White, chaired Morton professor of polymer engineering at The University of Akron, is the recipient of the Charles Goodyear Medal for outstanding invention, innovation or development resulting in a significant change or contribution to the nature of the rubber industry.
  • Dr. Frederick Ignatz-Hoover, principal chemist and market development manager, new products for Flexys America, is the recipient of the Melvin Mooney Distinguished Technology Award, sponsored by Lion Copolymer, for Rubber Division, ACS members or affiliate members who have exhibited exceptional technical competency by making significant and repeated contributions to rubber science and technology are honored with this award.
  • Dr. John M. Baldwin, senior managing scientist at Exponent's Vehicle Engineering practice, is the recipient of the Sparks-Thomas Award, sponsored by ExxonMobil Chemical Company, recognizes and encourages outstanding scientific contributions and innovations in the field of elastomers by younger scientists, technologists and engineers.
  • Dr. Judit Puskas, professor in the department of polymer science at The University of Akron, is the recipient of the Chemistry of Thermoplastic Elastomers Award, sponsored by Ralph S. Graff Foundation to honor significant contributions to the advancement of the chemistry of thermoplastic elastomers.
  • Dr. Donald Plazek, professor of materials engineering at the University of Pittsburgh, is the recipient of the Fernley H. Banbury Award which recognizes the contributions of scientists and engineers in developing production equipment, control systems, and instrumentation widely used in the manufacture of rubber or rubber-like articles on importance and is sponsored by the Farrel Company.
  • Dr. James E. McGrath, distinguished professor of chemistry at Virginia Tech, is the recipient of the George Stafford Whitby Award for Distinguished Teaching and Research, sponsored by Cabot Corporation, honors outstanding international teachers of chemistry and polymer science and recognizes innovative research.
On May 7-8, 2009, Rubber Division ACS will hold the 4th Rubber-Modified Asphalt Conference (RMAC) immediately following the 175th Technical Meeting. The conference provides attendees with a forum to learn about the uses of rubber- and polymer-modified asphalt, facilitate discussions between industries and government agencies, gain knowledge between industries on materials and specifications and open opportunities to expand the use of rubber- and polymer-modified asphalt.  This year's theme is "The E-Values of Rubber-Modified Asphalt...Engineering, Economics and Environment" and includes 15 technical presentations.  The 4th RMAC conference is also Hilton Akron/Fairlawn Hotel in Akron, Ohio.  For more details, information and to register, visit http://www.rubber.org/meetings/rmac.htm.

Throughout 2009, the Rubber Division of the American Chemical Society (ACS) is celebrating 100 years of service to people and organizations associated with the rubber and affiliated industries.  For the past century, the Rubber Division, ACS has been providing educational program, technical resources and other vital services to employees and organizations by serving as a global resource center for networking and partnerships between academia and industry.
The Rubber Division, ACS is a professional non-profit association dedicated to enhancing science, technology, and business across the evolving elastomeric community. The Rubber Division's mission is to expand the elastomeric profession and individual development through educational, technical, and interactive activities. For more information about the Rubber Division and its activities, visit www.rubber.org.
 
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Contact: Karen May, Marketing Manager, kmay@rubber.org, 330-972-7815
Rubber Division, ACS, PO Box 499, Akron OH 44309-0499