microfiller

Microfiller refers to a fine particulate material added to a substance, most commonly polymers or composites, to modify its properties. These particles are typically very small, often in the micrometer or sub-micrometer range. The primary purpose of adding microfillers is to improve certain physical or mechanical characteristics of the base material.

Common microfillers include minerals like calcium carbonate, talc, kaolin clay, and silica. They can also be synthetic materials such as glass spheres or carbon black. The selection of a specific microfiller depends on the desired outcome. For instance, calcium carbonate is often used to reduce cost and increase stiffness in plastics. Talc can enhance rigidity and heat resistance. Silica can improve tensile strength and abrasion resistance.

The addition of microfillers can affect a wide range of properties. Mechanically, they can increase stiffness, hardness, and strength, but may sometimes reduce ductility or impact resistance. They can also influence thermal properties, such as increasing the glass transition temperature or reducing thermal expansion. In terms of appearance, microfillers can alter opacity, color, and surface finish. Furthermore, they can impact processing characteristics, such as melt viscosity and flow behavior. The effectiveness of a microfiller is highly dependent on its particle size, shape, surface chemistry, and the degree of dispersion within the matrix material.