Filled Thermoplastics Optimization: Practical Formulation Strategy

While developing filled thermoplastics, improving properties while reducing cost can be tricky. We often see that to compensate for poor performances (lack of dispersion, unwanted additive interactions…), one adds more fillers/ additives and thus increasing the cost! Solve rather than compensate with hands-on problem solving tips & get the properties you expected at the right cost.

1. Achieve higher strength, stability...in your filled plastics by better mastering the interactions of fillers (with polymer, additives) & preventing unwanted effects like additive deactivation
2. Improve dispersion of your fillers by better selecting dispersants & coupling agents (screening method) for your system 
3. Troubleshoot faster and prevent failures in your filled plastics with solutions to improve weld/flow lines, reduce warpage ...

Filler suppliers, Experienced Compounders, OEMs with a need to better use fillers & additives to maximize performance/cost ratio of their filled plastics

The following will be covered during this session:

1. Types of fillers & their impact on final performance
2. The importance of dispersion
3. Introduction to dispersants and coupling agents
4. How to find the right dispersant / coupling agent for your filled thermoplastic - screening method
5. The pros and cons of isotropic and anisotropic fillers
6. Adsorption of additives onto fillers (e.g. antioxidants)
7. Weld lines / flow lines
8. Case study on the interactions of filler and impact modifier
9. Nanocomposites
   • how they compare to conventional microcomposites
   • the dominance of interface and interphase
10. Further reading, consultants, web resources