Introduction to the Rubber Technology Seminar 2026

The Rubber Technology Seminar 2026 is an intensive 5-day seminar designed for engineers in the rubber industry, suppliers, and users. The seminar aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of rubber technology, covering various topics and problems related to the production and application of rubber.

Program Overview

Duration and Language

• Duration: 5 days
• Language: 100% English-taught

Starting Date and Location

• Starting date: 22 June 2026
• Location: UParkhotel, University of Twente

Course Fee and Availability

• Course Fee: 3,500
• Available places: 25

Difficulty Level

• Difficulty: Intermediate

Target Audience

The seminar is designed for:

• Young chemists and mechanical engineers
• Higher technical education graduates with work experience in the rubber industry
• Designers/constructors in companies that utilize rubber components or parts

Topics and Problems

The seminar will deal with the following topics and problems:

• Production problems and their resolution through a better understanding of rubbers and available processes
• Translating user specifications into useful material specifications
• Mixing techniques for the production of good rubber compounds
• Methods of vulcanization and their suitability for different products
• Environmental issues in the rubber industry and their prevention

Course Structure

The seminar will be given by experts from the University of Twente and the industry. It will include:

• An extended tour of the laboratories of the Elastomer Technology and Engineering chair at the faculty of Engineering Technology
• Case studies to discuss the application in the company environment
• Opportunities for discussion of theoretical and practical aspects with the lecturers
• Advice from the University of Twente after the seminar

Speakers

All speakers are experts with long experience in their fields, gained either in industry or academia.

Program Details

RUBBER POLYMERS

• Types of polymers, thermoplastics, thermosets, rubbers/elastomers
• Rubbers versus plastics, modulus versus temperature and time, glass transition, rubber elasticity
• Reinforced and non-reinforced rubbers

REINFORCING MATERIALS

• Carbon black: sorts, properties, and effect on rubber
• Non-black fillers: types, properties, and effects on rubber, influence on the polymer networking processes

GENERAL PURPOSE RUBBERS

• Properties of general purpose rubbers (NR, SBR, BR, IIR)
• Rubbers for tires

SPECIALITY RUBBERS

• Oil-resistant and heat-resistant rubbers (NBR, CR, ACM, CO, ECO, FKM, Q, FVQ)

THERMOPLASTIC RUBBERS

• TPE's made from block copolymers, structure, and properties
• TPE's made from blends, particularly on the basis of EPDM and PP

Vulcanization

• Introduction to the mechanics of vulcanization, sulfur, peroxides, types of crosslinks, crosslinking reactions, cross-link density, additives, zinc oxide, vulcametry

Vulcanization Systems

• Comparison of sulfur and peroxide vulcanization, difference in rubber properties, choice of system

Bonding

• Basic principles, bonding to plastics and steel cord

Mixing Technology

• Appearance of raw materials, mixing rate and mixing quality, distributive and dispersive mixing, degree of dispersion, mastication, mixer types including mills and internal mixers, the mixing process in the internal mixer, energy balance, organization of a mixing shop

Properties of Rubbers

• Material properties of vulcanized rubbers, standards, measurement methods

Properties and Applications

• Rubber products, case studies, examples

Ancillary Processing Methods

• The production process as a flow problem, drag flow, pressure flow, extrusion for rubber processing, extrusion lines, extruder characteristics, energy balance, calenders, the calendering process, control of the thickness of the calender coating, calender coating lines

Continuous Vulcanization Methods

• For car profiles, radiator hoses, roofing foil, etc.

Batch-wise Production Processes

• Presses, transfer moulding presses, injection moulding, types and layout of injection moulding machines, injection

Injection Moulding Technology for Rubber

• Various vulcanization techniques, injection principles, dosage and injection, cold channel technology, de-gassing of cavities, mould-fouling

Recycling/Rework

• Possibilities for re-work and recycling of rubber products, in particular tires
• Developments in the market

Seminar Dates and Location

• The seminar will be held at the U Parkhotel, on the campus of the University of Twente
• Seminar dates: 22, 23, 24, 25, and 26 June 2026

Course Fee and What is Included

• The course fee is 3,500 (excluding overnight accommodation)
• Included in the fee are:
  • The syllabus for the seminar
  • A rubber technology book
  • Other hand-outs
  • An extended tour around the laboratories of the Elastomer Technology and Engineering chair at the faculty of Engineering Technology (Twente University)
  • Demonstrations of mixing and testing of various compounds designed for different applications
  • Lunches, 2 dinners, coffee, and tea

Cancellation Policy

• If you need to cancel your registration, you can do so up to three weeks before the start of the seminar (31 May 2026)
• After this date, your subscription will be considered as irrevocable, and no return of fees can be made
• If unable to attend, a colleague may be sent to take the place

University of Twente Summary

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Overview:

University of Twente (UT) is a research university located in Enschede, Netherlands. It is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and strong focus on technology and innovation.

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Student Life and Campus Experience:

The University of Twente offers a vibrant campus experience with opportunities to join student teams, associations, and participate in sports. Students can expect a diverse and international community.

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Key Reasons to Study There:

Entrepreneurial Focus:

UT is known for its entrepreneurial spirit and encourages students to develop innovative ideas and solutions.

Strong Research:

The university boasts state-of-the-art research institutes and lab facilities in various fields, including nanotechnology, biomedical technology, IT, and engineering.

International Environment:

UT attracts students and researchers from around the world, fostering a diverse and global learning environment.

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Academic Programs:

UT offers a wide range of bachelor's and master's programs across various disciplines, including:

Business Studies and Public Policy

Engineering & Technology

Information Technology (IT)

Life Sciences & Medicine

Natural Sciences

Social Sciences

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Other:

The university also provides education for professionals and prospective students through online courses (MOOCs), PhD and EngD programs, pre-university programs, and Studium Generale lectures.