High Performance Fillers 2006

This second international conference focused on developments in High Performance Fillers from established materials to the latest innovations. There were presentations on many different types of fillers from flash calcined clays (Imerys), diatomaceous earths and perlites (World Minerals), aluminas (Sasol), natural fibres (Queens's University Belfast), titanium oxides (Oxonica), mica (Quartzwerke), wollastonite (RT Vanderbilt), pigments (Eckhart) and glass foam (Trovotech) to nanographite (State University of Michigan), POSS (Hybrid Plastics) and nanocomposites (Prof Camino, Prof Kenig, S Dunger). BASF AG and Electrolux discussed filler interactions with other compounding ingredients, whilst surface modification with silanes was presented by Dow Corning.

Fillers are playing an increasingly important role in polymer applications, a trend that will increase with the rise in the cost of oil and hence polymer feedstocks. Increasingly though, fillers are seen as high performance additives, not just cost lowering diluents, and this is the focus of the conference, which has papers from both users and producers of performance enhancing fillers. Prominent among the topics covered are important growth areas such as; nanofillers, fire retardant fillers and natural fibre based composites. Papers dealing with the latest developments in additives to control the crucial area of filler to polymer adhesion are also featured prominently.

Elastomer-Based Composite Materials: Mechanical, Dynamic, and Microwave Properties and Engineering Applications is focused on elastomer-based composite materials comprising different types of reinforcing fillers. The book provides an informative examination of the possibilities for broadening the engineering applications of elastomer composites through using various types of hybrid fillers, ferrites, and ceramics, and also examines their synthesis and characterization. It discusses new hybrid fillers that have been synthesized by different techniques, e.g. impregnation of different substrates (carbon black, conductive carbon black, activated carbons, etc.) with silica or magnetite. These new fillers have been thoroughly characterized by standard techniques and by up-to-date methods, such as energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy in scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM-EDX), atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). The effect of those fillers upon the curing properties, mechanical and dynamic parameters, electrical conductivity, and dielectric and microwave characteristics of elastomer-based composites is discussed in detail in this volume. The book also covers the influence of various types of ceramics (SiC, B4C, and TiB2) and barium and strontium hexaferrites upon the aforementioned properties of rubber composites in conjunction with a view toward solutions for environmental problems caused by waste tires. The book shows that pyrolysis-cum-water vapor is a suitable and environmentally friendly method for the conversion of the waste green tires into useful carbon-silica hybrid fillers. The properties of elastomer-based composites comprising different types of nanostructures (fullerenes, carbon nanotubes, graphene nanoplatelets), modified activated carbons, and calcined kaolin are also discussed. Special attention is paid to composites with lower levels of zinc oxide. The volume provides an abundance of knowledge on the detailed characterization of these fillers and on the curing, mechanical, dynamic mechanical, and dielectric and microwave properties of the elastomeric composites. The book surveys the most recent research activities of the authors, which will make it a vital reference source for scientists in both the academic and industrial sectors, as well as for individuals who are interested in rubber materials. It will be very useful for students, especially PhD students, scientists, lecturers, and engineers working or doing research in the field of polymer materials science, elastomer-based composites and nanocomposites and their engineering applications in the production of microwave absorbers and electromagnetic waves shielding materials, materials for electronics devices and telecommunications.

A comprehensive and up-to-date overview of the major mineral and organic fillers for plastics, their production, structure and properties, as well as their applications in terms of primary and secondary functions. Edited and co-authored by Professor Marino Xanthos with contributions by international experts from industry and academia, this book presents methods of mixing/incorporation technologies, surface treatments and modifications for enhanced functionality, an analysis of parameters affecting filler performance and a presentation of current and emerging applications. Additionally, the novel classification according to modification of specific polymer properties rather than filler chemical composition provides a better understanding of the relationships between processing, structure and properties of products containing functional fillers and the identification of new markets and applications. For engineers, scientists and technologists involved in the important sector of polymer composites.

A one-stop, practical handbook containing all of the current commercial non-halogenated flame retardant technologies as well as experimental systems near commercialization In response to the emphasis on replacing halogenated flame retardants with alternate technologies, this handbook focuses on existing non-halogenated flame retardants and the experimental close-to-production systems that are available today. The Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Handbook starts with an overview of the regulations and customer perceptions driving non-halogenated flame retardant selections over older halogenated technologies. It then moves on to cover the known major classes of non-halogenated flame retardants, before concluding with the current niche-performing technologies and untried commercial contenders of the future. The Non-Halogenated Flame Retardant Handbook: Takes a practical approach to addressing the narrow subject of non-halogenated flame retardancy—placing more emphasis on flame retardant selection for specific plastics, practical considerations in flame retardant material design, and the various technologies’ strengths and limits Focuses on the proper use of non-halogenated flame retardants, rather than the mechanics of how they work Discusses important future trends in flame retardancy Features sections written by industrial and chemical experts who know how to apply the technology to polymers for fire safety needs

Handbook of Fillers, Fourth Edition, discusses the rapidly advancing field of fillers, the substances added to plastics and composites that add value by improving and modifying the properties of materials and reducing costs. This new edition is an essential reference for engineers and scientists using fillers in a range of materials, including plastics, rubber, adhesives, and paper. The book is designed to be a comprehensive reference for both experienced practitioners and those new to fields where fillers are used. It covers available fillers and their properties, their effect on filled materials, such as mechanical properties, rheology, morphology, flammability, and recycling, and their use in practical applications. In particular, this new edition provides extensive coverage of nanofillers, along with the practical information needed to deploy these new technologies in the real world. The book includes the latest advances in filler technology, with consolidated technical information from over 4,000 research papers, data from over 160 filler and equipment manufacturers, and a thorough review of the patent literature. Provides up-to-date, applicable information on the use of fillers in plastics, rubber, adhesives, and paper Presents comprehensive coverage on the effect of fillers on materials, including their mechanical properties, their effects on material rheology, the morphology of the filled system, material durability, and more Includes essential guidance on the industrial scale use of fillers and their transportation, storage, processing, equipment, quality control, and health and safety considerations