A new filler dispersion

technology
The performance of reinforced polymers depends not only on the filler
characteristics, but also on its dispersion and the interactions formed at the
polymer-filler interface. By using a dispersing aid and coupling agents, ultimate
performance of composites can be optimised. Today, silanes are widely used
as coupling agents, adhesion promoters, but also as a dispersing aid of fillers
in polymeric matrices. Valerie Smits, Pierre Chevalier, Damien Deheunynck
and Scott Miller of Dow Corning review the effect of silane treatment on
the performances of composites and introduce a new family of dispersing
aid products.

P
erformance of filled or reinforced
plastics generally depends on the
characteristics of the filler, such as
its shape and size also known as the
aspect ratio and its surface characteristics.
For a given system, one of the most important
parameters which will affect the mechanical,
optical and/or electrical properties of a
reinforced polymer is the filler dispersion.
It is known that large agglomerates tend to
form a flaw which leads to mechanical failure.
A second key parameter is the polymer-
filler interaction, and more specifically the
properties and thickness of the interphase
between polymer and filler. The final
performance of the composite depends upon
the capabilities of the interphase to transmit
the stress from the matrix to the filler.
Silanes are widely used as dispersing
aids. They enhance filler compatibility with
the polymer matrix by making the filler
hydrophobic and less polar (lower surface
energy), and thus more compatible with a
polymeric resin, which is mainly apolar by
nature. As an example, silanes are used to treat
fillers such as halogen-free flame retardants,
titanium dioxide etc to make them more
compatible and dispersible in the polymer
or even to improve the reinforcing effect of
the filler. Indeed, silanes could also be added
to a compound formulation as coupling
agents improving both filler dispersion
and interactions between the filler and the
polymeric matrix.
Today, silanes represent the most widely
used coupling technology together with
maleic anhydride grafted polyolefins. Among
a large number of applications, silanes are
traditionally used to treat silica and improve
the reinforcement of tyre tread rubber
formulation. Silane is also a critical component
in glass fibre reinforced polymer composites.
As mentioned before one of the key
conditions that must be met in order to obtain
Cluster size 5–30 nm
Primary particle
Figure 1: Filler aggregation and dispersion.
the expected performance improvement
is good filler dispersion and appropriate
polymer-filler interactions. This can be
achieved through a filler treatment using
silane technology. This is closely linked to
the intrinsic reactivity of the silane and its
ability to react onto the surface of the filler
either before or during the different steps of
composite processing. It is also important that
the organic functionality of the silane provides
compatibility and improved interaction with
the resin.
Dispersion mechanism
The first challenge of processing a
compound is the dispersion of the filler.
40–100 nm 1–500μm
Agglomeration
mixing
Aggregate Agglomerate

0034-3617/08 ©2008 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved December 2008 REINFORCEDplastics 37
 Feature

interactions between polymer and filler;

Inorganic Organic and any infiltration of the polymer into the
agglomerate. In this respect, silane, through
Si
Fibreglass Rubber its reaction with filler surface, will influence
Fillers Polymers the dispersion mechanism.
Metals Plastics
Fundamentals of silane chemistry
Figure 2: Simplified picture of coupling mechanism of silane.
Even if the mechanisms of action are not
fully understood, organosilanes are widely
Hydrolysis RSi(OCH3) 3 used in filled polymer composites to help
Chemically Bonded Chemically Bonding & the wetting and dispersion of fillers. Silane
H2O CH3OH Interface IPN Interphase
coupling agents are silicon-based chemicals
Condensation RSi(OH) 3 M --O--Si-- that contain two types of reactivity – inorganic
O
H2O M --O--Si-- and organic – in the same molecule. A typical
O
R R R M --O--Si-- general structure is:
O
HO Si O Si O Si OH M --O--Si-- (RO)3SiCH2CH2CH2-X
O O O Talc, mineral, glass, etc. Coupling agent Polymer
(a) H H H where RO is a hydrolysable group, such as
methoxy, ethoxy or acetoxy, and X is an
R R R Figure 4: The inter-penetrating network (IPN) bonding organofunctional group, such as amino,
mechanism.
HO Si O Si O Si OH methacryloxy, epoxy, etc. A silane typically
O O O and the cohesive forces holding that acts at an interface between an inorganic
Hydrogen H HH HH H agglomerate together. Hydrodynamic forces substrate (such as glass, metal or mineral)
Bonding
O O O Substrate
are determined by the strength and geometry and an organic material (such as an organic
H2O of the flow field produced by the shear stress, polymer, coating or adhesive) to bond,
R R R while particle–particle interaction forces or couple, the two dissimilar materials. A
Bond
Formation HO Si O Si O Si OH and the packing arrangement of individual simplified picture of the coupling mechanism
O O O particles within the agglomerate determine is shown in the Figure 2.
Substrate
(b) agglomerate cohesivity. It is well established that a silane, due to its
Figure 3: Reactions steps for filler treatment. The mechanism for dispersion has been dual reactivity between inorganic and organic
a: Hydrolysis and condensation reaction of
extensively studied. Two modes of dispersion functions, plays a key role in filler dispersion
alkoxysilanes.
b. Bonding to an inorganic surface. have been identified: improvement. The silane treatment clearly
r

UIF
CVML
SVQUVSF
m
BO
BCSVQU
CSFBLBHF
PG
UIF
decreases the dispersive and specific component
The particle agglomerates have to be broken agglomerate into multiple large fragments; of the surface energy but also changes the
down into smaller parts called aggregates and filler-filler, polymer-filler interaction and
(Figure 1). An optimal particle size r

FSPTJPO
m
B
TFRVFOUJBM
SFNPWBM
PG
TNBMM
agglomerate packing properties.
distribution has to be achieved to get the fragments from the agglomerate On one hand, silanes containing at least
best performance in a specific application. periphery. one inorganic reactive groups on silicon
During mixing of the compound, mechanical (usually methoxy, ethoxy or acetoxy) will
shear induces dispersion and distribution The bulk rupture mechanism is favoured bond well by hydrolysis condensation to the
of the filler in the matrix. In dispersive with high hydrodynamic stress (high metal hydroxyl groups on most inorganic
mixing, the objective is to break down shear); this mechanism is sudden and leads substrates. The reaction steps involved are
agglomerates, and possibly aggregates, to RVJDLMZ
UP
BO
BHHMPNFSBUF
TJ[F
SFEVDUJPO
shown in Figure 3. On the other hand, the
fragments of uniform size. These fragments The erosion mechanism is slower, but leads organic part of the silane can be an alkyl or a
must be evenly distributed within the matrix to a smaller final aggregate size. Increasing reactive hydrocarbon chain that will interact
to ensure uniform properties of the final the hydrodynamic force leads to a shift or react with the polymer matrix.
compound. However, breaking down the from dispersion via erosion to dispersion In reality, the role of a silane is more
filler particles in this manner often proves via rupture. complex than a single surface energy
to be rather difficult. Several physical and chemical factors can modification. The conventional way to
Dispersive mixing is governed by a affect the dispersion process: the structure illustrate how silanes react with a filler
competition between the hydrodynamic and cohesivity of filler agglomerates; the surface is to consider that a silane, through
forces acting on the particules’ agglomerate surface activity of the filler; the chemical hydrogen bonding interaction, hydrolysis-

38 REINFORCEDplastics December 2008

 Feature

120 44

Contact angle (°) 100 42

Torque[Nm]
80
Untreated 40
60 Treated
38
40
36
20

0 34
GCC TALC SILICA Pure PP Untreated Treated
talc talc

Figure 5: Surface hydrophobation – contact angle data for untreated and n-octyl silane treated fillers. Figure 6: Processing energy reduction for T2 at 7 wt%
of talc.
condensation reactions with filler surface Figure 5 clearly illustrates that fillers are
Chemical name (R) Chemical structure
forms a siloxane monolayer around the filler becoming more hydrophobic after octylsilane O CH3
Methyl- H3C Si O CH3
particle leading to a clear interface between treatment. The results are explained as O CH
3

filler and polymeric matrix. However, inter- follows. The interaction and/or reactivity Vinyl- MeO
CH2

CH
diffusion phenomenon and inter-penetrated of the alkoxy groups of the n-octyl silane MeO
Si

network (IPN) formation occurs leading to with the filler particles through hydrolysis- OMe
H H
the creation of an interphase, rather than an condensation allows the silane anchorage on Phenyl- O CH3
H Si O CH3
interface, as illustrated in Figure 4. the filler surface, whereas n-octyl functionality O CH
3
H H
gives a hydrophobic character to the filler Methacryloxypropyl- H2C CH3

Effect of silane treatment on TVSGBDF
$POTFRVFOUMZ
UIF
TVSGBDF
FOFSHZ
MeO

MeO
performance of the treated filler is reduced rendering the Si O O

Treating fillers using silane technology treated filler more compatible with an apolar OMe
N-octyl
can improve processing, performance and polymeric matrix such as polypropylene (PP) EtO
EtO
durability of mineral-modified products by: of low surface energy. Si

r

JNQSPWJOH
XFUUJOH
PG
UIF
NJOFSBM
CZ
UIF
Two kinds of talc (T1 and T2) were OEt
O
Glycidoxypropyl
polymer; surfaced treated using n-octyl silane and were
O
r

SFEVDJOH
UIF
WJTDPTJUZ
PG
UIF
GJMMFSQPMZNFS
then compounded in a lab-scale twin screw
mix; FYUSVEFS
5PSRVF
PWFS
UJNF
XBT
SFDPSEFE
MeO
Si
OMe
r

JNQSPWJOH
EJTQFSTJPO
PG
UIF
NJOFSBM
JO
UIF
EVSJOH
DPNQPVOEJOH
5IF
UPSRVF
MFWFM
JT
MeO

polymer; related to processing energy during the Octadecyl- O CH3

H3C Si O CH3
r

JNQSPWJOH
BEIFTJPO
CFUXFFO
UIF
NJOFSBM
DPNQPVOEJOH
TUFQ
UIF
MPXFS
UIF
UPSRVF
O CH
3

and the polymer; UIF
MPXFS
UIF
QSPDFTTJOH
FOFSHZ
SFRVJSFE
UP
Figure 7: Chemical structures of studied alkoxysilanes:
r

JNQSPWJOH
FMFDUSJDBM
QSPQFSUJFT
BOE R-Si(OX)3.

r

JODSFBTJOH
NFDIBOJDBM
QSPQFSUJFT
39
In this section silane effect on filler 38
37
hydrophobation and dispersion will be
36
illustrated and more specifically how silanes
Torque (Nm)

35
enhance filler compatibility and dispersion
34
within a polypropylene (PP) matrix. 33
Talc together with calcium carbonate 32
and silica were initially treated using n-octyl 31
silane at a level of 15 wt%. The efficiency 30
yl-
yl

l
ed

l-

yl-
l-

l-

of silane treatment to hydrophobe filler

cy
hy

ny

ty
op

op
en
at

de
Oc
Vi
et

pr
tre

Ph

pr

ta
M

n-
xy

y
Un

Oc

surface was characterised by contact angle

ox
ylo

id
cr

yc
ha

(VCA) measurement of a standard 1 μm

Gl
et
M

water droplet. The higher the contact angle,

the more hydrophobic the filler surface is. Figure 8: Torque reduction versus silane type for talc T1 @ 30 wt% of talc.

December 2008 REINFORCEDplastics 39

 Feature
Figure 9: SEM picture of T2 reinforced PP composites: effect of silane treatment on
filler dispersion.
9.00
8.00
7.00
6.00
E (GPa)
5.00
4.00
3.00
2.00
1.00
0.00
100 50 0 50
Temp (°C)
Figure 11: Thermomechanical properties – Storage modulus E and loss tangent Tan δ – for 30 wt% T2 filled-polypropylene composite.
produce the filled composite. Figure 6 shows
UIBU
CZ
USFBUJOH
UBMD
5

UIF
UPSRVF
MFWFM
JT
in Figure 9, there is no clear dispersion
reduced by 10%. It is observed that n-octyl
TJMBOF
USFBUNFOU
SFEVDFT
UIF
UPSRVF
MFWFM
UP

UIF
FRVJWBMFOU
MFWFM
PG
QVSF
QPMZQSPQZMFOF
A series of different silane surface treating
agents were investigated on T1 talc: methyl-,
vinyl-, phenyl-, methacryloxypropyl-,
n-octyl-, glycidoxypropyl- and octadecyl-
trialkoxysilane. The chemical structures
of those various silanes are illustrated in
'JHVSF

5IF
UPSRVF
MFWFMT
PCTFSWFE
EVSJOH

the compounding step are reported in
Figure 8.
5IF
UPSRVF
SFEVDUJPO
JT
FYQMBJOFE
PO

the basis of relative solubility parameters.
The different silanes used in this study have
different polarities and compatibilities with
QPMZQSPQZMFOF
5IF
MPXFTU
UPSRVF
MFWFM
XBT

obtained with octadecyl-trimethoxysilane
for which filler/filler interaction is reduced
MFBEJOH
UP
B
MPXFS
UPSRVF
MFWFM
The dispersion of the filler in the polymer
NBUSJY
XBT
RVBMJUBUJWFMZ
FWBMVBUFE
VTJOH

scanning electron microscopy (SEM) by
40 REINFORCEDplastics December 2008
Figure 10: SEM picture of silica reinforced organic rubber: effect of silane treatment on
filler dispersion.
0.18
Treated Talc/PP 0.16
Untreated Talc/PP
0.14
Pure PP
0.12
Tan Delta
0.10
0.08
0.06
0.04
0.02
0.00
100 150 200 100 80 60 40 20
simple observation of the images. As illustrated
rigidity-toughness balance.
improvement of the talc in polypropylene
matrix after n-octyl silane treatment. This is
most likely due to the fact that talc is already
fairly dispersible into polypropylene. On the
contrary, silica dispersion was evaluated in
another study and we clearly observed the
dispersion improvement of silica in organic
rubber via sulphido-silane treatment as
illustrated in Figure 10.
Mechanical performances of the
polypropylene composites were evaluated by
their viscoelasticity performance measured on
temperature sweep mode. Storage modulus,
as well as tan δ, was recorded as a function of
the temperature.
Figure 11 summarises the results for
the 30 wt% talc reinforced-polypropylene.
We clearly observe that elastic modulus is
higher at low temperature, improved at room
temperature and preserved within the service
temperature range. At the same time tan
δ is increased. This increase in tan δ is
leading to improved impact performance,
Treated Talc/PP
Untreated Talc/PP
Pure PP
0 20 40 60 80 100 120 140 160 180
Temp (°C)
as illustrated in Figure 12, enhancing the
From these results, one can see the
positive influence of silane treatment on the
performance of filler reinforced-plastics:
the silane treatment reduces the processing
energy at the compounding stage by up to
10% and improves the energy dissipation
while maintaining composites stiffness.
Those observations are most likely due to
an improved filler wetting and compatibility
with the polypropylene matrix.
A new family of dispersing aids
Dow Corning is developing a new line of
dispersing aid products. The first product
of the series is Dow Corning® Z-6173
Filler Dispersion Aid. This product is a
multifunctional siloxane product that
can improve filler dispersion, improve
compatibility between materials, and provide
application-specific benefits. Dow Corning
Z-6173 Filler Dispersion Aid contains alkoxy
and alkyl functional groups which improves
the dispersion of inorganic fillers such as

40
35
KJ/m2
30
25
20
15
Untreated Treated
talc talc
Figure 12: Un-notched impact strength for 30 wt% T2
filled-polypropylene composite.
halogen-free flame retardant, kaolin, silica,
etc., into organic polymers. The methoxy
groups react similarly to that of silane
coupling agents, forming a stable bond with
the mineral/inorganic filler by releasing up
to eight times less alcohol volatiles. The
alkyl functionality acts as both compatibiliser
with organic polymer matrices, as well as a
hydrophober to reduce water absorption. It
is suitable for use with a wide range of fillers,
including silica, mica, wollastonite, glass and
natural fibres, talc, calcium carbonate, ferrous
metals, carbon microfibres, and many others.
A series of fillers have been treated
with 1 wt% Z-6173 and the hydrophobing
performances of Z-6173 were evaluated
through contact angle measurement.
The higher the contact angle, the more
hydrophobic the filler surface is.
Figure 13 clearly shows that Z-6173 has a
strong ability to modify surface polarity.
Acting as hydrophobing agent, Z-6173
is improving the filler compatibility with an
apolar polymeric matrix such as a polyolefin
and therefore leads to better filler dispersion
within a thermoplastics matrix. A better
dispersion provides end-use benefits as briefly
illustrated through the following examples:
r
VTJOH
;
BT
EJTQFSTJOH
BJE

PQUJDBM
material performance, reactive coupling
performance of mica-reinforced
polypropylene is enhanced. Samples look
whiter thanks to a much better dispersion
of the mica filler within the polypropylene
matrix. Simultaneously, impact
performances of filled polypropylene are
slightly increased; and
180
160
140
Contact Angle(°)
120
100
80
60
40
20
0
CaCO3 ATH
Figure 13: Surface hydrophobation – contact angle data for untreated and Z-6173 treated fillers.
Figure 14: SEM and SEM/EDS – coupling agent localisation.
r
CZ
USFBUJOH
BMVNJOJVN
USJIZESBUF
XJUI

Z-6173, flame retardant performances of
a polyethylene-based halogen free flame
retardant compound are also improved.
Z-6173 provides similar benefits to traditional,
reactive, monomeric alkyl silanes such as water
repellency, improved powder flowability, and
improved filler polymer compatibility. But,
it has additional advantages compared to
traditional silanes, namely lower alcohol
generation and better value based on surface
actives content.
Dow Corning Z-6173 Filler Dispersion Aid
contains alkoxy and alkyl functional groups to
provide enhanced compatibility between filler
and polymer. However, alkyl functionalities
are not reactive in organic systems. To go
beyond dispersing aids and further improve
overcome these issues, better filler/polymer
between the filler and organic matrix is
necessary. This was achieved by adding a third
functionality such as vinyl or amino groups.
This organic functionality interacts and/or
reacts with the polymer matrix and promotes
a strong coupling between filler and matrix.
Two examples are described hereafter. The
Feature
Untreated
Treated
Talc Silica Mica
Coupling agent is localised
around the wood fibre
first example illustrates the benefits of this
technology in wood plastic compounding
using vinyl functional dispersing aid while
the second example is focused on halogen-
free flame retardant compound utilising
amino functional dispersing aid.
Wood plastic composites (WPC)
In the past few years, the use of bio-fillers
in polymer composites has been expanding.
Wood plastic composites (WPC) are
displacing wood or pure plastic in a growing
number of applications. With bio-fillers being
polar their compatibility with apolar polymer
matrices is not optimal. Their tendency
to absorb moisture limits the composites
durability and reduces considerably their
long term mechanical strength. Moisture also
causes stain and promotes fungi growth. To
compatibility and lower moisture absorption
are desirable.
The use of a prototype vinyl functional
dispersing aid from the new Dow Corning
range was evaluated in a polyethylene based
WPC formulation. This was compared
with maleic anhydride grafted polyethylene
December 2008 REINFORCEDplastics 41
 Feature

As illustrated in Figure 15 water uptake

6
was reduced by more than three times
5 versus the reference WPC formulation and
reduced by two times versus alternative
4
wt %

1 day coupling technology.

3 14 days
At the same time mechanical
42 days
2 performances also improved. Indeed flexural
modulus was preserved while tensile strength
1
and elongation at break were increased, as
0 shown in Figure 16.
Reference WPC gMA-PE Vinyl-functional
(No coupling Agent) Dispersing Aid These results demonstrate the efficiency
of Dow Corning’s new range of functional
Figure 15: Water uptake upon time for polyethylene-based WPC – effect of coupling agent.
dispersion aid at improving compatibility
and coupling between the filler and polymer,
leading to significantly reduced water uptake
35 and improved mechanical performance.
30
It is worth mentioning that in addition to
Strength at break (MPa)

25
these benefits, one can expect mechanical
20
performance durability over time; indeed
15
thanks to the lower water uptake better
10
durability will be achieved and mechanical
5
properties maintained longer.
0
Reference WPC gMA-PE Vinyl-functionnal
(No coupling agent) Processing Aid
Halogen-free flame retardant
compound
3 For a variety of market segments, it is
2.5
critical to improve the flame retardant (FR)
properties of a polymer. Several technologies
Elong. at break (%)

2
are used today to improve fire retardancy,
1.5
however due to environmental and safety
1 aspects the fastest growing technology is the
0.5 use of halogen-free flame retardant (HFFR)
0
additives. Among the different HFFRs,
Reference WPC gMA-PE Vinyl-functionnal aluminium trihydrate (ATH) is by far the
(No coupling agent) Processing Aid
most used flame retardant. For example,
Figure 16: Mechanical performances of polyethylene-based WPC: effect of coupling agent. ATH is the flame retardant of choice for wire
and cable application. However the lower FR
(gMA-PE), which represents the benchmark Scanning electron microscopy with efficiency of HFFRs compared to halogenated
today. Polyethylene was extruded in a twin X-ray microanalysis (SEM/EDS) is used for FRs remains a critical limitation and higher
screw extruder with 30 wt% wood flour; recording the SEM analysis of wood particles concentrations are needed to achieve
when applicable prototype vinyl functional dispersion in plastic and the corresponding SFRVJSFE
GMBNF
SFUBSEBOU
QFSGPSNBODF
5IJT

dispersing aid and gMA-PE were added at SEM/EDS analysis on the right-hand side to higher concentration of HFFR affects both
a level of respectively 3 wt% and 5 wt%. determine where the silicon-based coupling processability and mechanical performances
Both products were added directly into the agent is located. As shown on Figure 14 of a HFFR compound. To prevent the
extruder for in situ reaction between the filler silicon atoms from the dispersing aid are performance loss, a silane coupling agent
and the polymer. located on the surface of the wood particles, is typically used such as Dow Corning
When using our vinyl functional i.e. as expected at the interface filler/polymer. aminopropyltrimethoxysilane Z-6011.
dispersing aid prototype, peroxide additive This observation is even more remarkable The performances of the prototype,
was added to the mixture allowing a coupling knowing that the coupling agent was added amino functional dispersing aid from the
through covalent bonding between vinyl in situ in the twin screw extruder. new Dow Corning filler dispersing aid family
functionality of the dispersing aid and the Water absorption over time of various was investigated in comparison to Z-6011 in
polyethylene matrix. composites is measured by weight increase. ethylene vinyl acetate (EVA) HFFR compound.

42 REINFORCEDplastics December 2008

 Feature

150 phr (parts per hundred of resin) of ATH

was compounded with EVA in a twin screw 60
extruder. Amino functional dispersing aid Z-6011 1.2 phr

was used at 1.2 phr and 1.6 phr and compared

to both aminopropyltrimethoxysilane
Amino
Z-6011 and alkylfunctional Z-6173 filler 55
Functional
dispersion aid. Dispersing Aid

Torque [N.m]
1.2 phr
%VSJOH
QSPDFTTJOH
UPSRVF
SFRVJSFE

Amino
to compound the mixture at 250 rpm was Functional
recorded and data are recorded in Figure 17. 50 Dispersing Aid
1.2 phr
This data clearly illustrates the advantage
Amino
of the new dispersing aid on the extrusion, Functional
UPSRVF
CFJOH
SFEVDFE
CZ

DPNQBSFE
UP
UIF
Dispersing Aid
1.6 phr
benchmark coupling technology Z-6011. The 45
0:14:24 0:17:17 0:20:10 0:23:02 0:25:55 0:28:48 0:31:41 0:34:34
MPXFS
UPSRVF
MFWFM
BMMPXT
UIF
DPNQPVOEFS
Time [h:m:s]
either to reduce energy consumption for
FYUSVEJOH
UIF
TBNF
RVBOUJUZ
PS
UP
JODSFBTF
Figure 17: Torque level during compounding.
extruder throughput.
To evaluate mechanical performances 18
16
of the various compounds, namely tensile
14
strength and elongation at break, ‘dog bone’
Fmax [MP a]

12
1.2 phr
tensile specimens were cut from sheets 10
1.6 phr
which were prepared in a platen press. 8
6
Minimum target values were 10 MPa and
4
150% for tensile strength and elongation at 2
break respectively. Results are summarised 0
Z6011 Z6173 Z6178
in Figure 18 and clearly show that Z-6173
250
filler dispersion aid does not meet the
mechanical targets for both tensile strength 200
and elongation at break. Adding amino
E [%]

150 1.2 phr

functionality to the new dispersing aid
improved significantly tensile strength and
elongation at break. For both 1.2 phr and
1.6 phr, compound performances are above
the targeted values.
Additionally, flame retardant
performance of the formulated HFFR
compounds was evaluated through low
oxygen index (LOI) measurement. All tested
formulations provide similar LOI values
showing that the coupling technology
does not impact negatively the flame
retardant performance.
The two examples presented here above
clearly illustrate the benefits of adding
reactive moieties into the composite system
through the use of Z-6173 Filler Dispersion
Aid. Having an organic moiety reacting with
the polymer matrix helps improving water
uptake and mechanical properties.
In summary, Dow Corning Z-6173 Filler
%JTQFSTJPO
"JE
QSPWJEFT
VTFST
XJUI
B
VOJRVF

1.6 phr
100
50
0
Z6011 Z6173 Z6178
Figure 18: Mechanical performances of ethylene vinyl acetate based HFFR: effect of coupling agent.
combination of benefits not found in similar alcohol than traditional monomeric silane
dispersion products: coupling agents; and
r

MPX
DPTU
BOE
QSPEVDUJWJUZ
JODSFBTF
MPXFST
r

QSPDFTTJOH
PQUJPOT
XPSLT
JO
CPUI
XFU
BOE

the viscosity of the molten compound dry processes. It is used to pre-treat fillers
in the mixer, increasing throughput and PS
JT
EFMJWFSFE
JO
TJUV
WJB
MJRVJE
JOKFDUJPO
PS

reducing the amount of energy needed for absorption onto a carrier. N
extrusion or allowing the use of more filler
to improve higher performances while This article was presented at the
keeping the productivity. It is also priced Addcon 2008 Conference, Barcelona
lower than similar competitive products, (www.polymerconferences.com) and
based on dispersing actives content; is reproduced with kind permission of
Smithers Rapra.
r

FBTF
PG
VTF
SFRVJSFT
OP
QSFIZESPMZTJT
OPS

catalyst; Dow Corning; www.dowcorning.com/
content/silanes/siscmain.asp
r

MPX
70$
HFOFSBUFT
MPXFS
MFWFMT
PG

December 2008 REINFORCEDplastics 43