Fillers nano-technology

Filler, in general, can be defined as finely divided particles that are often used to enhance the performance and various desirable properties of the host matrix, depending on a typical application. A great deal of research endeavors have been dedicated to the development and the use of different fillers with a dimension at the nanometer level. In rubber technology the term nano is not unfamiliar to a rubber specialist. Since the start of the twentieth century, carbon black and silica have been utilized as effective reinforcing agents in various rubber formulations for a variety of applications. The primary particle sizes of these fillers remain in the nanometer range. However, with these conventional fillers the dispersion toward individual... 

Zhuo, L., Yi, G., Kyoung-Sik, M., Tannenbaum, A., Wong, C. P. (2012). Nano filler dispersion in polymer composites for electronic packaging. Electronic Components and Technology Conference [ECTC], 2012 IEEE 62nd,pp. 1752-1757. 

I was delighted to accept the chance offered by Rapra Technology to produce this updated second edition of Particulate Filled Polymer Composites, a book first published in 1995. The first edition had been very well received but has been out of print for some time. Despite the relatively short time since the publication of the first edition, much has changed and hence considerable new material has been introduced, including a completely new chapter covering the latest developments in nano-filler technology. 

The use of particulate fillers in polymers has a long history, and they continue to play a very important role today. Despite the apparent commodity status, the area is still very dynamic and considerable changes have occurred in applications over the last few years. The most significant of these have been the dramatic growth in the use of precipitated silica in energy efficient tyre applications and the emergence of nano-filler technologies. 

The current drive to discover and develop new materials constantly leads to the discovery and/or synthesis of more and better performing [nano] fillers with potential applications that push the limits of what is possible. In spite of their very attractive and exciting properties, CNTs are not the only fillers that can be incorporated into a polymer matrix by latex technology. In fact, any filler that can be obtained in the form of a colloidally stable aqueous dispersion can, in principle, be used. 

S.D. Genieva, S.Ch. Furmanova, and L.T. Vlaev, Utihzation of rice husks and the products of its thermal degradation as fillers in S. Kalia, B.S. Kaith and I. Kaur eds.. Polymer composites in Cellulose fibers Bio- and nano-polymer composites, green chemistry and technology, Springer, Germany, pp. 345-376,2011. 

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