ADDITIVES | FUNCTIONAL FILLERS
Comparison of properties of Temppeclear PPE containing POSS with PSU and Ultem PEI Properties
ASTM Method
Specific Gravity Flexural Modulus Tensile Strength
Elongation at Break Modulus of Elasticity
Notched Izod Impact Strength HDT@264 psi
Source: The Resin Enterprise
ratio equal to one, they provide dimensional stability during processing.” This property minimises stress concentrations in the filled thermoplastic, causing reduced shrinkage and improved part flatness in the finished product. Unlike traditional mineral fillers, engineered glass microspheres can also lower the viscosity of most compounds, acting as miniature internal ball bearings to improve flow. “Spherical particles require less energy to compound into resins than angular, irregular, or platelet particles,” Rudnick says. When used in combination with fibres or
particles with other shapes, flow improvements can reduce product defects and potentially improve production rates, he says (Figure 3). Additionally, high loadings can increase flexural modulus, increase surface hardness and improve stress distribution. Surface-modified glass microspheres offer improved bonding with polymer systems in harsh processing or environmental conditions. “Hollow glass microspheres can provide many of the performance attributes of solid glass beads but also have the additional benefits of providing density reduction in thermoplastic composites to make lightweight parts,” Rudnick says. So, not surprisingly, one area that is drawing a lot of interest is the automotive industry, where he says hollow microspheres are being considered as alternatives to denser mineral fillers. The company is currently developing additional
engineered glass microspheres with adhesion promoters to enhance the bond within the polymer matrix. “Potters continues to develop engineered glass materials with lower density, higher strength, smaller particle size, and whiter in appearance,” says Rudnick.
PHOTO: POTTERS ENGINEERED GLASS MATERIALS
Above: Equal weights of hollow glass microspheres (left) and mineral filler (right) showing the potential density reduction
62 COMPOUNDING WORLD | August 2018
Compound partnership Also offering glass spheres is 3M. Earlier this year it announced a partnership with compounder A Schulman “to develop innovative insulation and weight-reduced compounds that incorporate 3M Glass Bubbles, engineered hollow glass micro- spheres.” The partnership is focusing on western Europe. “First innovations, which are now in production, such as scuff plates in vehicles, show great poten- tial for further lightweight applications,” said Heinrich Lingnau, Vice President and General Manager EMEA at Schulman, when the partnership was announced earlier this year. “Due to the combination of 3M’s hollow glass beads and our innovative filler systems, a weight reduction of 15% can be achieved without compromising on product properties.” Schulman recently launched RD (Reduced Density) grades of Schulamid PA and Polyfort PP compounds for use in automotive applications, saying they offer a weight-saving potential of up to 26%. Some of these material solutions can be used directly, without any changes in tool design or in equipment. In addition to the lightweight aspect, a carbon footprint reduction of up to 59% can be achieved, the compounder says. In addition to automotive lightweighting, Schulman says it is also focusing on developing compounds with improved insulation properties for the construction industry. “By using 3M Glass Bubbles in an existing compound, thermal conduc- tivity can be reduced by 23%,” the company says. 3M Glass Bubbles are made of a high-quality borosilicate glass, says 3M Application and Product
www.compoundingworld.com
ASTM D792 ASTM D790 ASTM D638 ASTM D638 ASTM D638 ASTM D256 ASTM D648
Units
g/cm3 psi psi %
psi
ft-lb/in °F
Temppeclear 1.07
471,500 12,500 19
345,000 0.89 361
Polysulfone P1700
1.24
390,000 10,200 50-100 360,00 1.3
345
Ultem
1000-1000 1.27
510,000 16,000 60
520,000 1.0
394
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