The idea of mixing single available materials into compounds to fulfill a set of desired properties is likely as old as mankind. Highly sophisticated polymer applications would simply be impossible without the enhancement of some of their properties through addition of fine mineral particles or synthetic or natural short fibers. Many filled polymer

With the increasing recognition of the importance of fillers for reinforcing and enhancing polymer properties, current research is progressing rapidly. This volume of Macromolecular Symposia presents highlights of the Eurofillers'99 conference held in Lyon, France, September 6-9, 1999. Recent research furthering our understanding of the properties and processing of fillers and their interactions with polymers was presented, along with new ideas addressing the need for filled polymers with combinations of varied properties. The possibilities presented by nanotechnology were also introduced through contributions concerning investigations into nanofillers, such as clays and whiskers, and nanocomposites.

The rheology of filled polymer systems is an ever expanding field in the polymer industry today. Using a concise, practical and simple format this comprehensive work explains the concepts behind filled polymer systems and the rheological techniques involved in studying their behaviour. Aware that the readers of the book may come from differing background, the first three chapters familiarize the reader with the basics about polymers, fillers and physicochemical interactions between them, rheology and rheometry. Covering such topics as preparation of filled polymer systems, steady shear viscous properties and extentional flow properties, this book covers the areas of importance from an introductory level through to more complex issues.

Discussing every aspect of the fabrication, properties, and use of metal-filled polymers, this unique single-source reference covers the full range of current and potential applications -- from the insulation to the conduction level. Metal-Filled Polymers describes the most recent experimentation in determining the shielding effectiveness of plastics filled with metal ... compares the advantages of metal fillers over conventional nonmetallic fillers ... delineates the concept of interphase (which has recently found importance in predicting the mechanism of crack growth) ... and shows how the geometry and orientation of filler particles affect conduction, strength, and stiffness under various loading conditions. In addition, the book explains how the filler interacts with the matrix to improve composite properties ... and details the theoretical development of both mechanical and thermal properties. Encompassing the entire literature on their respective topics, contributions by eminent researchers focus on the very latest state-of-the-art data and relate findings directly to practical uses in current technology. Metal-Filled Polymers will prove a vital reference for plastics, materials, process, chemical, design, and mechanical engineers and managers in the plastics and metals industries. It will also be a useful resource for manufacturers of conductive composites for EMI shielding, and professional seminars and graduate-level courses in composite materials. Book jacket.

Polymers are substances containing a large number of structural units joined by the same type of linkage. These substances often form into a chain-like structure. Starch, cellulose, and rubber all possess polymeric properties. Today, the polymer industry has grown to be larger than the aluminium, copper and steel industries combined. Polymers already have a range of applications that far exceeds that of any other class of material available to man. Current applications extend from adhesives, coatings, foams, and packaging materials to textile and industrial fibres, elastomers, and structural plastics. Polymers are also used for most composites, electronic devices, biomedical devices, optical devices, and precursors for many newly developed high-tech ceramics. This book presents leading-edge research in this rapidly-changing and evolving field.

With the increasing recognition of the importance of fillers for reinforcing and enhancing polymer properties, current research is progressing rapidly. This volume of Macromolecular Symposia presents highlights of the Eurofillers'99 conference held in Lyon, France, September 6-9, 1999. Recent research furthering our understanding of the properties and processing of fillers and their interactions with polymers was presented, along with new ideas addressing the need for filled polymers with combinations of varied properties. The possibilities presented by nanotechnology were also introduced through contributions concerning investigations into nanofillers, such as clays and whiskers, and nanocomposites.

Modification of Polymer Properties provides, for the first time, in one title, the latest information on gradient IPNs and gradient copolymers. The book covers the broad range of polymer modification routes in a fresh, current view representing a timely addition to the technical literature of this important area. Historically, blends, copolymers, or filled polymers have been developed to meet specific properties, or to optimize the cost/properties relationship. Using the gradient structure approach with conventional radical polymerization, it has been shown that it is possible to optimize properties if appropriate gradients in the composition of copolymer chains are obtained. An overview of the gradient structure approach for designing polymers has not appeared in the recent literature and this title covers the different methods used to modify properties, offering the whole range of ways to modify polymers in just one volume and making this an attractive option for a wide audience of practitioners. The approach for each chapter is to explain the fundamental principles of preparation, cover properties modification, describe future research and applications as examples of materials that may be prepared for specific applications, or that are already in use, in present day applications. The book is for readers that have a basic background in polymer science, as well as those interested in the different ways to combine or modify polymer properties. - Provides an integrated view on how to modify polymer properties - Presents the entire panorama of polymer properties modification in one reference, covering the essential information in each topic - Includes the optimization of properties using gradients in polymers composition or structure

This is an overview of particulate filler production and use. Each filler type has different properties and these in turn are influenced by the particle size, shape and surface chemistry. Filler characteristics are discussed from costs to particle morphology. Practical aspects of filler grading are described and the principal filler types are outlined. Filler surface modification is an important topic. The main types of modifying agent and their uses are described, from fatty acids to functionalised polymers. An additional indexed section containing several hundred abstracts from the Rapra Polymer Library database gives useful references for further reading.

Understanding the dynamics of reactive polymer processes allows scientists to create new, high-value, high-performance polymers. This book is an indispensable resource for researchers and practitioners working in this area. It includes coverage of thermoplastics, thermoset and reactive polymers, together with practical industrial processes and modern chemorheological models and tools.