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Surface Modifiers for Use with Particulate Fillers

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Part of the book series: Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series ((POPOC))

Abstract

The interface between a particulate filler and the polymer matrix plays an important role in determining the processability and properties of composites. The surface of most commonly used particulate fillers, with the exception of carbon blacks, is suboptimal for this purpose and surface modification is widely used, both to enhance wetting and to improve interaction with the polymer. This modification is generally achieved by chemically reacting a suitable organic modifier with the filler surface.

Two distinct types of surface modifier can be recognized, noncoupling and coupling, depending on the type of organic group introduced. Both types have strong anchorage to the filler surface; but only the coupling type has strong interaction with the polymer. Fatty acids are the most common noncoupling treatment, while organo-silanes are most often used as coupling treatments.

Reaction of the filler surface can be carried out before addition to the polymer or during the polymer/filler mixing process. Both methods have advantages and limitations and are widely used.

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Correspondence to Roger Rothon .

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DeArmitt, C., Rothon, R. (2017). Surface Modifiers for Use with Particulate Fillers. In: Rothon, R. (eds) Fillers for Polymer Applications. Polymers and Polymeric Composites: A Reference Series. Springer, Cham. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-3-319-28117-9_8

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