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Additives, Fillers, and Reinforcements: Modifying Polymer Properties
Additives, Fillers, and Reinforcements: Modifying Polymer Properties
Additives, Fillers, and Reinforcements: Modifying Polymer Properties
Coupling agents are added to improve the bonding of the plastic matrix and the reinforcing
fibers. Different fillers are used to lower the cost of materials. Other additives include flame
retardants to reduce the likelihood of combustion, lubricants to reduce the viscosity of the
molten plastic, plasticizers to increase the flexibility of the materials, and colorants to
provide colorfastness.
Low-aspect fillers
Fillers modify the properties and molding of the compound to which they are added. If the
fillers are characterized with a low aspect ratio between the longest and the shortest
dimensions, the basic properties will be less changed from those of the unfilled polymer.
Fillers benefit plastics parts in the following ways: