Fillers & Composites in Thermoplastics: Optimize Performance & Processing

Maximize the performance / cost ratio of your thermoplastics formulations by getting structured knowledge on fillers and the impact of their particle size/shape, distribution... on final performance.

Trevor Hutley will discuss what is only acquired by experience to go one step further in your optimization quest by providing you a cheat sheet to select appropriate fillers for your thermoplastics.

Course Outline

• Module 01:

  The following sections will be covered during this session:

• Module 02:

  Introduction to Industrial Polymers and Plastics

  • Overview of polymer types and their industrial applications
  • Evolution of plastics and their role in modern materials
  • Market trends
• Module 03:

  Polymer Modification & Additives

  • Key additives for enhancing polymer performance
  • How polymer structure influences properties
  • Interactions between additives
• Module 04:

  Fillers for Plastics: Selection & Characteristics

  • Overview of common fillers: Talc, Carbon Black, Calcium Carbonate, Titanium Dioxide, Clays, Barium Sulphate, and more
  • How filler properties impact formulation decisions
  • Global filler market

• Module 05:

  The Effect of Fillers on Thermoplastic Properties

  • Influence on mechanical, thermal, and barrier properties
  • Impact on polymer processing and performance
• Module 06:

  Optimizing Filler Performance: Dispersants & Coupling Agents

  • Enhancing compatibility and dispersion in polymer matrices
  • Strategies for improving adhesion and mechanical stability
  • Practical steps in formulation development
  • Case studies demonstrating key design principles
• Module 07:

  The Role of Particle Size, Distribution & Shape

  • Effects on rheology, processing, and final material properties
  • Cost vs. performance trade-offs in formulation design
• Module 08:

  Cheat Sheets & Key Takeaways

  • Comprehensive cheat sheets summarizing essential concepts and key learnings
  • Clear insights into how fillers, additives, and polymer properties interact
  • Practical reference for optimizing filled thermoplastic formulations
• Module 09:

  Additional Resources & Expert Insights

  • Recommended web resources, textbooks, and expert consultants
  • Interactive Q&A session for troubleshooting and guidance

Boost performance of your filled thermoplastics (strength, stability, processability…) by improving fillers dispersion in the polymer matrix and controlling its interactions with additives (adsorption, additive deactivation).

Chris DeArmitt will help you prevent performance and aesthetic failures & reduce cost by sharing his practical methods to screen dispersants & coupling agents as well as solutions to improve weld/flow lines (particle size, dosage…), reduce warpage…

Course Outline

• Module 01:

  The following topics will be covered during this session:

• Module 02:

  Types of fillers & their impact on final performance

• Module 03:

  The importance of dispersion

• Module 04:

  Introduction to dispersants and coupling agents

• Module 05:

  How to find the right dispersant/coupling agent for your filled thermoplastic - screening method

• Module 06:

  The pros and cons of isotropic and anisotropic fillers

• Module 07:

  Adsorption of additives onto fillers (e.g., antioxidants)

• Module 08:

  Weld lines/flow lines

• Module 09:

  Case study on the interactions of filler and impact modifier

• Module 010:

  Nanocomposites

  • How they compare to conventional micro composites
  • The dominance of interface and interphase
• Module 011:

  Further reading, consultants, web resources

Reach faster higher heat resistance with your thermoplastic composite materials by learning to improve your filler/polymer interface properties in practice.

Mark DeMeuse will share his 30 yrs experience in tailoring surface properties (fiber sizing, use of coupling agents, reactive functionalization…) for high-temperature applications (automotive, aircraft, electronics…) while also improving HDT, strength, fracture toughness...

Course Outline

• Module 01:

  The following sections will be covered during this session:

• Module 02:

  Thermoplastic Composites - Profile and Properties

• Module 03:

  Estimating Interfacial Properties Using Characterization Techniques (DMA, FTIR…)

• Module 04:

  Structured Methods to Improve Interface in Composites

  • Sizing on Fibers
    - Different Chemistries for Sizing & their impact
    - Different Methods for Applying Sizing
    - Mechanisms for Use
  • Use of Coupling Agents
    - Silane Coupling Agent Composite & Other Chemistries
  • Reactive Functionalization of Polymers
  • Alternative Energy Sources (Plasma, Microwaves)

• Module 05:

  Real-Life Case Studies

  • Effect of Different Sizing Materials on Nylon/Glass Fiber Adhesion
  • Optimizing Structure of Coupling Agents to Improve HDT
  • Use of Maleic Anhydride Modified Polymers as Compatibilizing Agents
  • Microwave Energy to Improve Adhesion in Composites
• Module 06:

  Conclusions and Recommendations

• Module 07:

  30 Mins Q&A - Ask your questions directly from the expert!