Füllstoffen

Füllstoffe are substances added to materials to reduce cost, improve properties, or modify processing characteristics. They are commonly incorporated into plastics, paints, rubber, paper, and construction materials. The primary function of a Füllstoff is often to increase bulk and reduce the amount of more expensive base material, thus lowering the overall cost of the product. However, Füllstoffe can also significantly enhance physical properties. For example, reinforcing fillers like carbon black in rubber can dramatically improve tensile strength and abrasion resistance. Mineral fillers such as calcium carbonate and talc are widely used in plastics to increase stiffness and impact strength.

In paints and coatings, Füllstoffe can affect opacity, gloss, and rheology. They can also contribute to properties like fire resistance and sound dampening. In the paper industry, Füllstoffe are added to improve brightness, opacity, and smoothness, which are crucial for printability. The selection of a Füllstoff depends on the specific application, desired properties, compatibility with the base material, and cost considerations. Common Füllstoffe include minerals like calcium carbonate, kaolin, talc, silica, and barytes, as well as synthetic materials and organic fibers. The particle size, shape, surface treatment, and chemical composition of the Füllstoff all play a critical role in its performance within the matrix.