Fillers and Reinforcements

Fillers and reinforcements are used to change and improve the physical and mechanical properties of plastics. Fillers and reinforcements may also be used to lower material costs by reducing the volume of matrix resin required. Fillers are used to modify or enhance properties such as thermal conductivity, electrical resistivity, friction, wear resistance, and flame resistance. There are two basic types of fillers: conductive fillers and extender fillers. A conductive filler is used to increase electrical and thermal conductivity. An extender filler is used to reduce material costs. Fiber reinforcement significantly affects the properties of the compounds to which they are added. Reinforcements are specialized particulates, fibers or fabrics used to strengthen or toughen plastic, metals or ceramics.

Fillers and reinforcements differ in terms of features and specifications. Carbon fiber reinforcement is a non-woven, carbon fiber, epoxy-based grid that is used to reduce cracking and extend life in concrete. Carbon fiber reinforcements are relatively lightweight and corrosion resistant. Different polymer reinforcement techniques are used to enhance the properties of polymers. A plastic filler can be specified according to brightness, density, abrasion, fineness, and oil absorption. Fiber reinforcement for concrete structures should have properties such as low shrinkage, good thermal expansion, substantial modulus of elasticity, high tensile strength, improved fatigue, and impact resistance. Fillers and reinforcements that are characterized by a low aspect ratio between the longest and the shortest dimensions are less changeable than unfilled polymers. When the aspect ratio between the longest and the shortest dimension of the filler is greater than 25, the filler can be characterized as a fiber.

Fillers and reinforcements are used in many applications and industries. Examples include aerospace, appliances, automotive, construction, electronic, consumer products, corrosion, and marine. Specialized fillers and reinforcements can also be used in medical applications. Fillers and reinforcements adhere to standards specified by the Society of Plastics Engineers (SPE), and the American Society of Civil Engineers ASCE. The most commonly used fillers and extenders in industries are aluminum powder, carbon fiber, graphite, calcium carbonate, silica and clay.

• Deformulation and Reverse Engineering
  Deformulation is used to determine the composition and structure or plastics, composites, rubber compounds, and adhesives. Ashing studies are often performed to provide the percentage of fillers and...
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• Laser Cutting Ceramics
  Engineers and scientists are always engaged in producing better polymeric materials variety by manipulating the molecular structure that affects the final polymer produced. Manufacturers and...
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• Coupling Agents
  Coupling agents such as silanes or zirconates are used to enhance the chemical bond between reinforcements such as glass fibers and the plastic resin matrix. Coupling agents have SiO groups to bond to...
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