February 17 – 21, 2008, Lucknow

http://www.polychar16.com contact@polychar16.com

The Forum will be held at the University of Lucknow. It will be preceded by a one day Course on Polymer Characterization at the Indian Institute of Technology - New Delhi on February 14. There will be also a one day pre-conference Symposium on Greener Routes to Polymer Synthesis on February 15 at the University of Delhi.

We cordially invite to participate researchers, professors and students involved in synthesis, characterization, property determination, processing and manufacturing of novel materials, and also in their service performance. All classes of materials including thermoplastics, thermosets, alloys, heterogeneous and molecular composites, biomaterials, hybrids and nanohybrids are included.  Experiments, computer simulations, theory and model development have ‘equal rights’.

Research contributions will be presented in both oral and poster formats. The research areas include:

• Predictive methods
• Synthesis
• Nanomaterials and smart materials
• Mechanical properties and performance
• Dielectric and electrical properties
• Surfaces, interfaces and tribology
• Rheology, solutions and processing
• Biomaterials and tissue engineering
• Characterization and structure-property relationships
• Natural and biodegradable materials and recycling

Awards to be given during POLYCHAR 16 by the Prize Committee include:  Paul J. Flory Polymer Research Prize;  the International Materials Science Prize;  Bruce Hartmann Prize and Jürgen Springer Prize for young scientists non-students up to the age of 32; Carl Klason Prize for the Best Student Paper and other awards for student presentations including Prizes for Student Posters funded by IUPAC (= International Union of Pure and Advanced Chemistry).  Prizes  to young investigators and students will be awarded for outstanding presentations in both oral and poster formats.

Abstract submission: We invite contributions for oral and poster presentations. All contributions submitted will be peer reviewed by experts before acceptance. All the presenting authors (oral, poster, invited, special) are requested to submit online an abstract (1 page maximum) of their presentations.  An example of an abstract is included at the end of this Announcement, with the presenter name underlined.

Important deadlines:

Preregistration :  August 30, 2007
Abstract submission:  September 30, 2007
Abstract acceptance:  October 15, 2007
Registration fee payment:  November 15, 2007

Already confirmed speakers include:

• Abdel-Azim A. Abdel-Azim, Egyptian Petroleum Institute, Cairo
• Dusan Berek, Institute of Polymers, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava: Separation and characterization of parent homopolymers from block copolymers
• Hans-Werner Bewersdorff, Lausitz University of Applied Sciences, Senftenberg: Drag reduction by additives: Fundamentals and applications
• Michael Bratychak, Lvivska Polytechnika National University: Functional petroleum resins based on by-products of hydrocarbon pyrolysis to ethylene
• Witold Brostow, University of North Texas, Denton: Prediction of long term performance and reliability of polymer-based materials from short term tests
• Yoshiki Chujo, Kyoto University: New π-Conjugated organoboron polymers
• Chapal K. Das, Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur: Simulation of fibrillation in polycarbonate + polymer liquid crystal blends: Effects of processing parameters
• Ulmas Gafurov, Institute of Nuclear Physics, Tashkent: Theory of polymers
• Anup K. Ghosh, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi: Process rheology and characterization of polypropylene-based nanocomposites
• Avadesh K. Gupta, Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi: Non-isothermal crystallization of polypropylene in presence of additives
• Jean-Michel Guenet, Louis Pasteur University, Strasbourg: Hybrid nanomaterials from covalent polymers and supramolecular polymers
• Jiasong He, Institute of Chemistry, Chinese Academy of Sciences, Beijing: Rheological hybrid effects in filled polymer melts
• Sven Henning, Martin Luther University, Halle: Biomedical polymers and improved bone cements
• Michael Hess, University of Duisburg-Essen: Molecular engineering on drug conjugates
• Donglin Jiang, National Institutes of Natural Sciences, Okazaki: Design and functions of photo and spin functional dendritic macromolecules
• Byung Wook Jo, Chosun University, Dongku Kwanju: Processable polybenzoxazole precursors with flame retardancy
• Toshiji Kanaya, Kyoto University: Characterization of polymer crystallization under flow by neutron and X-ray scattering
• Yusuke Kawakami, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology, Ishikawa: Synthesis and reactions of POSS derivatives
• Mubarak A. Khan, Institute of Nuclear Science and Technology, Dhaka: Modification of bio-blends of natural polymers and water soluble polymers by irradiation
• A.P. Kharitonov, Institute of Energy Problems of Chemical Physics, Chernogolovka: Surface modification of polymers: From fundamental research to industrial applications
• Jagjit Khurma, University of the South Pacific, Suva: Miscibility and molecular interactions in some polymer blends containing chitosan
• Vera Kovacevic, University of Zagreb: The role of interface in particulate filled polymer systems
• Nodar Lekishvili, Shrena Samakashvili and Mzia Kezherashvili, Ivane Javahishvili University, Tbilisi: Silicon-organic oligomers with fluorosiloxane and methacrylic fragments in side chains for nanocomposite substrates
• Rimantas Levinskas, Lithuanian Energy Institute, Kaunas: Application of polymers and composites in nuclear industry
• Elizabete F. Lucas, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro: Polymeric additives for oil industry
• Giridhar Madras, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore: Kinetics and process design of polymer degradation in solution
• Peter E. Mallon, University of Stellenbosch, Matieland: Inorganic-organic hybrid copolymer nano-fibers
• B.M. Mandal, Indian Association for Cultivation of Science, Kolkata: All methacrylate triblock thermoplastic elastomers: Synthesis, morphology and thermomechanical properties
• James E. Mark, University of Cincinnati: Some interesting things about polysiloxanes
• Akira Matsumoto, Kansai University: Molecular design of advanced vinyl-type network polymers
• Masaru Matsuo, Nara Women's University: Gelation and crystallization mechanisms in polymer + carbon filler systems
• Gregorio R. Meira, Argentinian National University of the Coast, Santa Fe: Bulk process for the production of high-impact polystyrene: Mathematical modelling, characterization and control
• Görg H. Michler, Martin Luther University, Halle: Mechanical properties of nanostructured polymers
• Ivanka Moneva, Institute of Polymers, Sofia: Dye-doped liquid-crystal systems for display applications
• Ahmad A. Mousa, Balqua Applied University, Al-Salt City:  Production of superfine filler powders with the aid of a dry grinding agent
• Alejandro J. Müller, Universidad Simón Bolívar, Caracas: Block copolymer  crystallization and morphology
• Moshe Narkis, Technion, Haifa: Chain mobility in polymers
• C. K. S.  Pillai, Sree Chitra Thirunal Institute for Medical Sciences & Technology, Thiruvananthapuram: Novel biodegradable polylactide copolymers: Synthesis & characterisation
• Polycarpos Pissis, National Technical University of Athens: Polymer dynamics and glass transitions in polymer nanocomposites
• Anatolii Pomogailo, Institute of Problems of Chemical Physics, Chernogolovka: Metal + polymer nanocomposites
• Marcelo Rabello, Federal University of Campina Grande: Cold crystallization in semicrystalline polymers: The phenomenon and its control
• S. Radhakrishnan, National Chemical Laboratory, Pune: Conducting polymer hybrid composites as smart materials for sensing and protective coating
• H. W. Siesler, University of Duisburg-Essen: FTIR studies of the State of order and decomposition of poly(3-hydroxybutyrate), its copolymers and blends
• Ram P. Singh, University of Lucknow: High performance flocculants based on modified and unmodified chitosan
• John Texter, Eastern Michigan University, Ypsilanti: Advanced porous materials from ionic liquid-based copolymers
• Kanaya Toshiji, Kyoto University: Characterization of polymer crystallization under flow by neutron and SR X-ray scattering
• Dong Yang Wu, CSIRO Manufacturing & Materials Technology, Clayton: Sustainable polymeric materials
• Chunye Xu, University of Washington, Seattle: Switchable devices based on electrochromic polymers

Course on Polymer Characterization:

• Light, neutron and X-ray diffractometry of polymer systems: Jean-Michael  Guenet, University of Strasbourg
• Electron microscopy of polymers: Görg H. Michler, Martin Luther University, Halle
• Polymer Tribology: Witold Brostow, University of North Texas, Denton
• Glass transitions in glassy polymers and other disordered materials: Jean-Marc Saiter, University of Rouen
• Dynamic mechanical analysis and thermal mechanical analysis: Michael Hess, University of Duisburg-Essen
• Liquid chromatography: Dusan Berek, Institute of Polymers, Slovak Academy of Sciences, Bratislava
• Basic theory, instrumentation and applications of vibrational spectroscopy (Raman, mid-infrared and near-infrared) in Polymer Science: H. W. Siesler, University of Duisburg-Essen
• Differential scanning calorimetry and thermogravimetric analysis: Prem Chand Jain, PerkinElmer Corp., Mumbai

Registration fees:

Getting there, venue and climate:

Lucknow can be reached by air flights from Mumbai (= Bombay,  2  hours ) and from Delhi (1 hour).  Mumbai and Delhi have connections to important air travel hubs such as Frankfurt/Main. London, etc.

The venue is World Unity Convention Centre, CMS Degree College, Sector D, LDA Colony, Kanpur Road, Lucknow 226012.  The newly built Convention Centre is ≈ 6 km from Charbagh Railway Station and 3 km from the Amousi Airport of Lucknow.

Temperatures in Lucknow in mid-February: day 15 – 22^oC, night 8 – 15^oC.

Accomodations: Hotel accommodation in Lucknow is available in the range of US $ 90 – 200/day. Limited shared guesthouse accommodation is also available for participants, on first come first served basis at US $ 25/day. Please note that accommodation will be possible to confirm and allot only after receiving the accommodation charges in advance. Advance reservations are advised.

City of Lucknow: A sprawling historical city on the banks of river Gomti, Lucknow is the capital of Uttar Pradesh. Lucknow is known for its culture and cuisines inherited from Mugals & Nawabs. The imperial splendour and magnificence of the Nawabi era has been glorified and eulogized down the ages by writers, poets, and historians alike. At the same time its mystical elegance and amorous ethos has caught the fascination of many world famous romantics. Known for its 'Adab' and 'Tahjeeb' (cultural refinement), Lucknow is also associated with its legendary hospitality, leisurely moods of life, fabled edifices steeped in history, world-renowned cuisine and exquisite 'Sham-e-Avadh' (Evening in Lucknow). Tremors of time have not effaced Lucknow of its cultural heritage and traditions, which once contributed in creating the city incomparable in its times.  Lucknow is an important science and technology center with nine universities, twelve national research laboratories, an Indian Institute of Management and a biotechnology park.

The POLYCHAR Scientific Committee

• Witold Brostow, University of North Texas, Denton, President
• Michael Hess, University of Duisburg-Essen, Vice President
• B.V.R. Chowdari, National University of Singapore, Organizer of POLYCHAR 13
• Antonio M. Cunha, University of Minho, Guimaraes, Organizer of POLYCHAR 12
• Elizabete F. Lucas, University of Rio de Janeiro, Organizer of POLYCHAR 15
• Masaru Matsuo, Nara Women’s University, Organizer of POLYCHAR 14

Some 50 countries are represented; for the complete list of the Committee see https://POLYCHAR.unt.edu

The POLYCHAR 16 Organizing Committee

• Ram P. Singh, Vice-Chancellor, University of Lucknow, Chairman
• Virinder S. Parmar, University of Delhi, Vice Chairman
• Poonam Tandon, University of Lucknow, Executive Secretary-cum-Treasurer
• Anup K. Ghosh, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Secretary
• Vijay Kumar, Central Institute for Polymer Science & Technology, Lucknow, Secretary
• Veena Choudhary, Indian Institute of Technology, Delhi, Course Coordinator
• R.C. Rastogi, University of Delhi, Symposium Coordinator

Correspondence should be addressed to :

Prof. Poonam Tandon,
Executive Secretary-cum-Treasurer,
Physics Department,
University of Lucknow,
Lucknow-226 007, India
Fax : 0091-522-2740840
Phone : 0091-522-2740840
contact@polychar16.com, polychar16@gmail.com

For the Course on Polymer Characterization:

Prof. Veena Choudhary,
Centre for Polymer Science & Engineering,
IIT Delhi, Hauz Khas, New Delhi-110 016, India
Fax: +91-11-26591421
Phone: +91-26591423
veenac@polymers.iitd.ac.in           

For the Symposium on Greener Routes to Polymer Synthesis:

Prof. R.C. Rastogi
Department of Chemistry,
University of Delhi, Delhi-110 007  (INDIA)
Fax: 0091-11-27667206
Phone: 0091-11-27662618
rc.rastogi@gmail.com

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Example of an abstract:

Prediction of long term performance and reliability of polymer-based materials (PBMs) from short term tests

Witold Brostow

Laboratory of Advanced Polymers & Optimized Materials (LAPOM), Department of Materials Science and Engineering, University of North Texas, POBox 305310, Denton, TX 76203-5310, USA; brostow@unt.edu https://LAPOM.unt.edu

PBMs are viscoelastic, hence their properties depend on time. For several identical samples, for instance the tensile modulus E determined today will be different than tomorrow, while still different values will be obtained each time in a week, a month, a year and 10 years [1]. Therefore, we need methods of prediction of long-term (years) behavior from short-term (hours) tests. Such methods have been developed and will be discussed.  We shall also talk about crack propagation in PBMs, including particularly nasty slow crack propagation (the rate for instance 3 mm/year) – which also can be predicted.

1. W. Brostow, editor, Performance of Plastics, Hanser, Munich – Cincinnnati 2000.