Filled Polymer Composites

The aim of the chapter is to provide the reader with a short overview of the main fillers used for polymer processing and their application and characteristics. After a brief introduction this chapter will illustrate the main characteristics of fillers and filler reinforced polymers. In particular, the effect of the fillers on the mechanical, rheological, and processing properties will be discussed. Although long fiber reinforced composites can be considered a class of filled polymers, the main focus of this chapter will be on particulate fillers and short fibers. A description of the main phenomena that takes place during the compounding of a polymer will help to understand the factors that can improve or worsen a particular property. A whole paragraph is dedicated to the matrix/filler interface, which is one of the most important aspects that should be considered in order to improve polymer properties. Other important aspects that will be considered are related to the rheological behavior and the manufacturing of filled polymers, which are both strictly connected.