Materials Research & Development DivisionTARRC's Materials Research & Development Division (MRDD) is headed by Dr Andy Chapman and is made up of four units:
The Advanced Materials and Product Development Unit, headed by Paul Brown, the Materials Characterisation Unit, headed by Sue Stephens, and the Biotechnology Unit, headed by Dr Maria Kolesnikova-Allen. TARRC's Market Development & Promotion activities, which are carried out by the Market Intelligence and Promotion Unit, headed by Kristina Lawson, also come under this Division.
The Division is at the forefront of the development of new polymer materials with enhanced properties. One particularly successful area of R&D work is concerned with the development of a range of TPVs based on different elastomers. More recent developments include work on developing rubber nanocomposite materials containing organoclays.
TARRC’s comprehensive range of analytical facilities also falls under this Division. Its systems and equipment are continually updated to keep it at the forefront of analytical testing and R&D and to meet the demands of work carried out for internal and external clients. Many of the routine tests are accredited by UKAS to ISO 17025
The primary role of the Market Intelligence and Promotion Unit is to promote trade and investment in the Malaysian rubber industry. The core activities are the expansion of markets for Malaysian rubber products in the West and the promotion of manufacturing activities in the Malaysian rubber industry. Increased participation in European exhibitions is a vital activity for all staff where we can help to develop business relationships between Malaysian suppliers and European buyers, and promote investment opportunities in the rubber products manufacturing industry in Malaysia.
As Malaysia is the largest exporter of medical gloves in the world, we also have expertise in the issues surrounding protein allergy and other allergic reactions to latex products.
A list of TARRC staff can be found in Organisation structure.