NEWTOWN, CONN. -- Plenary speeches at the Antec 2013 conference will address technical and business developments with great potential for benefiting plastics, according to the Society of Plastics Engineers, the event organizer.

The topics and speakers include:

• "Fractal Structuring in Polymer Processing," presented by Han Meijer. The technology for creating large internal surfaces by means of fractal structuring during polymer processing—even in techniques like injection molding—can enhance performance in such high-end applications as photovoltaics and membranes for fuel cells or gas separation. Meijer is professor of polymer technology at Technische Universiteit Eindhoven in the Netherlands.
• "New Polymer Materials Developed in Sinopec," presented by Jinliang Qiao. Developments include new polyolefins, nano-composites, and conductive composites. The address will cover both fundamental research and commercial materials. Qiao is vice president of the Sinopec Beijing Research Institute of the Chemical Industry.
• "Abundant U.S. Shale Gas Supplies Are Revitalizing the Plastics Industry," presented by Dwight Tozer. The enormous increase in domestic natural gas production is spurring a manufacturing renaissance in the U.S., particularly for the chemical and plastics industries. The shale gas advantages include lower energy costs, greater supply security, new job creation, and enhanced global competitiveness. Tozer is vice president of the adhesion industry business of ExxonMobil Chemical Co.
• "Driving Innovation in the Wire and Cable Industry," presented by Gregory Lampert. The presentation will provide a wire and cable industry overview and then discuss key market trends, General Cable's approach to innovation, development of "green" products, and the growth of the renewable energy market for wire and cable. Lampert is president and CEO of General Cable and is head of operations in the Americas.

Antec 2013, billed as the world's largest plastics technical conference, will take place April 22-24 in Cincinnati. For more information see www.antec.ws.