Key course information
- Course learning format: IN-PERSON COURSE
- More course dates: See below or click 'Register'
- Pricing: click 'Register' to preview
- Course duration: Two Days
- Location: Shropshire, UK
- Interactive learning face-to-face with expert tutors
- Electronic course notes
- Gain CPD Credits: Smithers training is IOM3 Quality Assured and counts towards professional development.
To book, click Register and choose a session
Looking for an alternative format?
Upcoming in-person course dates
| Select a session when registering | |
|---|---|
| 19 - 20 November 2025 | |
| 18 - 19 November 2026 | |
Course overview
This course is designed for professionals who already have a basic understanding of polyurethane chemistry and want to deepen their technical expertise. It is equally valuable for those experienced in polymer science who are new to polyurethane systems.
Participants will gain a comprehensive view of polyurethane constituents, formulations, and processing methods - exploring how to achieve optimum material properties and performance. The course bridges fundamental chemistry with applied formulation science, examining how processors create such a wide range of PU forms and functions.
Through expert-led sessions, you’ll explore polyurethane chemistry, structure–property relationships, and practical techniques for product optimisation. The course also introduces data-driven approaches such as Design of Experiments (DOE) to accelerate learning, improve formulation accuracy, and support innovation in R&D.
We also run an introductory course: Introduction to Polyurethanes
Learning outcomes
By the end of this course, you will be able to:- Apply best-practice formulation methodologies, including DOE and modelling tools, to optimise polyurethane performance.
- Understand the chemical interactions and roles of PU constituents and functional additives.
- Gain practical insight into processes used to produce the full range of polyurethane forms — foams, elastomers, coatings, adhesives, and sealants.
- Accelerate development projects using efficient experimental design and rapid learning techniques.
- Broaden your knowledge of the polyurethane industry landscape, enhancing collaboration with colleagues, clients, and customers.
Course content
The course combines theory, formulation practice, and real-world application to give participants a deeper understanding of polyurethane materials, processes, and performance — linking chemical principles to practical design, manufacturing, and problem-solving.Product Formulation using DOE
- How to carry out product formulation using DOE (design of experiments) via software to achieve rapid understanding of the application and the routes to optimisation, including many practical tips.
- In depth description of a whole range of current PU applications.
- A chemical understanding of all polyurethane constituents and catalysts and how to use them.
- A thorough description of the chemistry and mechanisms in the use of additives such as flame retardance, anti-static, low surface friction, blowing agents, UV and Oxidative resistance, hydrolysis resistance etc.
- The calculation methods and tools used to formulate PU systems, pre-polymers and polyurethane dispersions etc.
- Properties of raw materials, PU systems and end products.
- How to handle the data by using some simple statistical techniques.
- Review of Flexible, Rigid Foams and Coatings, Adhesives, Sealants, Elastomers and Binders, i.e. what they are and how to formulate them.
Who should attend
This course is ideal for professionals seeking a deeper technical understanding of polyurethane materials, formulation, and processing.
- Newcomers to the PU industry with a background in chemistry, polymer science, or materials technology who want to build on their foundational knowledge.
- Formulators, chemists, and technologists directly involved in the development or synthesis of polyurethane systems and specialty chemicals.
- Suppliers to the PU industry - including raw material producers, machinery providers, and engineering specialists — who need detailed insight to support product development and customer applications.
- End-users of PU systems who want to fully understand the materials and formulations used in their products and processes.
Meet your expert tutor
Eileen Lancaster – Consultant
With more than 40 years in the polyurethane industry, Eileen brings extensive technical and commercial experience from roles in manufacturing, R&D and technical service. Having worked with major global producers and systems houses including BASF, Dow and Huntsman, she now provides consultancy worldwide, advising on formulation, process optimisation and product development across a wide range of polyurethane applications.
What our delegates say about the course
“Very very comprehensive and incredibly useful.”
Thomas Nevin (Trelleborg)
“Plenty of opportunities to ask questions.”
Felicity Boyce (D30)
Contact us or download a brochure
Reach out to the training team now - ask about this course or discuss your training goals.
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