Synthetic particulate fillers

While neither the MWNT elongated cylinders nor the exfoliated clay sheets resulted in self-extinguishing behavior, they did slow the rate of fire spread by reducing the rate of heat evolution. Both of these nano materials form a kind of synthetic char, more effectively than larger particulate fillers, and act as heat shields. It may be that combinations of several types of materials will prove most effective in reducing fire spread. 

For die first case study, the particulate filled nanopolymers is studied. An investigation on viscometric flow for particulate filled nanopolymers is presented as the second case study in this chapter. Application of synthetic or natural inorganic fillers is reviewed as the third case study. The next two case studies are devoted to description of a multiscale micromechanical model and plication of cement materials reinforcement with nanoparticles. 

The term filler is very broad and encompasses a very wide range of materials. We arbitrarily define in this book as fillers a variety of natural or synthetic solid particulates (inorganic, organic) that may be irregular, acicular, fibrous or flakey and are used in most cases in reasonably large volume loadings in plastics, mostly thermoplastics. Continuous fibers or ribbons are not included. Elastomers are also not included in this definition as well as many specialty additives that are used at low concentrations (e.g. pigments, lubricants, catalysts, etc). 

Composite. A homogeneous material created by the synthetic assembly of two or more materials (a selected filler or reinforcing elements and compatible matrix binder) to obtain specific characteristics and properties. Composites are subdivided into classes on the basis of the form of the structural constituents Laminar — Composed of layer or laminar constituents Particulate—the dispersed phase consists of small particles Fibrous—the dispersed phase consists of fibers and Flake—the dispersed phase consists of flat flakes. 

---