Surface Modification Of Synthetic Mica And Its Application In Resin Reinforcement

As a significant layered silicate mineral with outstanding features such as cheap, nontoxic and its molecularly flat layered structures mica renders excellent electrical and mechanical properties, mica is frequently used as a non-metallic filler in polymer materials, such as plastics, rubbers and painting applications. The synthetic mica is a fantastic inorganic filler which has a higher purity, thermostability and insulativity than natural mica. However, in contrast with organic materials, the uniform dispersion of both mica and synthetic mica in polymeric matrix seems difficult owing to the high interfacial energy. To attain a good mechanic capability, it is inevitable to improve the compatibility via surface modification methods.A variety of surface modification strategies were adopted to improve the surface properties of mica. Silane coupling agents KH550and KH570were applied during the procedure. Investigation of dispersion quality and compability of the mica incorporated in ABS,PP,LLDPE after compounding was evaluated using SEM of the fracture surface, and subsequent mechanical properties (tensile, impact resistance, bending) tests of the composite materials were conducted. From the data comparison, mechanical properties of engineering plastics incorporated with treated mica increased significantly.