Mineral coupling, improved properties

Summary Silanes are used as additives in numerous examples of resin chemistry. From these progresses in two applications, mineral wool production and paper impregnation, are highlighted. In the first application, silane acts as a typical coupling agent to improve the binding between resin and fiber, whereas in the latter, silane functions as a modifier to improve surface properties of the final laminate. 

The term compatibiliser refers to an additive used to improve the miscibility and properties of a polymer blend. It is sometimes more specifically used to mean an additive used to promote adhesion between a polymer and an inorganic smface such as a mineral, or glass fibres. In this report, the coupling agents used to promote adhesion between polymer and inorganic additives are discussed imder the heading of Fillers, and this section concentrates almost entirely on the compatibilisers used to promote the compatibility of two organic polymers. 

Silane coupling agents are thus an extremely valuable range of compounds that can effectively and economically improve the adhesive bonding of a polymer to a mineral, giving superior hydrolytic stability and enhanced electrical and mechanical properties in composite materials. 

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