The Importance of Filler in Plastic Processing
Filler play a crucial role in plastic processing, significantly impacting the properties and performance of plastics. In this blog post, we focus on the importance of filler and how they are used in the plastics industry.
Filler are materials that can be added to plastics in both small and large quantities to enhance or alter specific properties. They can exist in the form of powders, granules, or fibers and can be composed of various materials, including metals, minerals, glass, or organic substances. Filler are used in a wide range of plastic applications, from packaging and automotive parts to components in aerospace, shipbuilding, and the electronics industry.
One of the primary functions of filler is to improve the mechanical properties of plastics. Their addition can enhance strength, stiffness, hardness, and heat resistance. This enables the production of durable and stable products that meet the requirements of various applications.
Furthermore, filler can also contribute to the improvement of other properties. For example, they can enhance chemical resistance, flame retardancy (with materials like aluminum hydroxide), UV stability (using mica), and electrical conductivity in plastics. This opens up new possibilities for the development of specialized products tailored to specific applications, such as electronic components with increased conductivity or fire-resistant components in the construction industry.
Another advantage of filler is their cost-effective utilization. They often serve as cost-effective alternatives to expensive plastics, reducing material costs without compromising the performance and quality of the end product. This makes filler an attractive option for companies looking to manufacture competitive plastic products without increasing costs.
However, it is essential to carefully select and dose filler to achieve desired properties and minimize potential drawbacks. An excessive amount of filler can affect the processability of plastics, such as flowability in injection molding or processing temperature in extrusion. Therefore, precise matching of filler and plastics is required to achieve optimal results.
