Preface
PART ONE: Polymers and Fillers
 
POLYMERS AND POLYMER COMPOSITES
Thermoplastics and Thermosets
Processing of Thermoplastics and Thermosets
Polymer Composites
MODIFICATION OF POLYMER PROPERTIES WITH FUNCTIONAL FILLERS
Introduction
The Importance of the Interface
Modification of Mechanical Properties
Effects of Fillers on Processing Characteristics of Polymers
MIXING OF FILLERS WITH PLASTICS
Introduction
Pretreatment of Fillers
Feeding
Melting
Solids Introduction and Mixing
Venting
Pressure Generation
Process Examples
Further Information
 
PART TWO: Surface Modifiers and Coupling Agents
 
SILANE COUPLING AGENTS
Introduction
Production and Structures of Monomeric Silanes
Silane Chemistry
Types of Silanes
Silane Hydrolysis
Reactivity of Silanes Toward the Filler
Combining Silanes and Mineral Fillers
Insights into the Silylated Filler Surfaces
Selection of Silanes
Applications of Specific Silanes
Trends and Developments
TITANATE COUPLING AGENTS
Introduction
The Six Functions of the Titanate Molecule
Summary and Conclusions
FUNCTIONAL POLYMERS AND OTHER MODIFIERS
Introduction
General Types of Modifiers and Their Principal Effects
Modifiers by Chemical Type
 
PART THREE: Fillers and Their Functions
A - High Aspect Ratio Fillers
 
GLASS FIBERS
Background
Production Methods
Structure and Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications
Environmental Impact
MIKA FLAKES
Background
Production Methods
Structure and Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications
NANOCLAYS AND THEIR EMERGING MARKETS
Introduction
Production Methods
Structure and Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications
CARBON NANOTUBES/NANOFIBERS AND CARBON FIBERS
Introduction
Materials
Polymer Matrix Composites
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications
 
B - Low Aspect Ratio Fillers
 
NATURAL FIBERS
Introduction
Structure and Production Methods
Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications (Primary and Secondary Functions)
TALC
Production Methods
Structure and Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications
KAOLIN
Introduction
Production Methods
Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications
WOLLASTONITE
Introduction
Production
Structure and Properties
Suppliers/Cost
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications Involving the Plastics Compounding Industry
Summary
Future Considerations for Use of Wollastonite in Plastics
WOOD FLOUR
Introduction
Production Methods
Structure and Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental/Toxicity Considerations
Applications (Primary and Secondary Functions)
CALCIUM CARBONATE
Background
Production Methods
Structure and Properties
Suppliers
Cost/Availability
Environmental, Toxicity, and Sustainability Considerations
Applications
 
C - Specialty Fillers
 
FIRE RETARDANTS
Introduction
Combustion of Polymers and the Combustion Cycle
Fuel
Smoke
Flammability of Polymers
Mechanisms of Fire-Retardant Action
Classification of Flame Retardants
Tools and Testing
Toxicity
Manufacturers of Fire Retardants
Concluding Remarks
CONDUCTIVE AND MAGNETIC FILLERS
Introduction
Carbon Black
Phenomena of Conductivity in Carbon Black-Filled Polymers
Distribution and Dispersion of Carbon Black in Polymers
Other Carbon-Based Conductive Fillers
Intrinsically Conductive Pol