Several inorganic fillers can benefit from acid treatment to enhance their performance in polymers. Acid treatment is commonly used to modify the surface chemistry of these fillers, improving their dispersion, adhesion to the polymer matrix, and overall compatibility. Some of the inorganic fillers that are frequently acid treated for better performance in polymers include:
Nano Silica (Silicon Dioxide)
Nano silica particles are often acid treated to introduce silanol groups (-Si-OH) on their surface. Acid treatment with strong acids like hydrochloric acid or sulfuric acid removes surface impurities and siloxane groups, leading to increased surface area and improved dispersion in polymer matrices. Acid-treated nano silica enhances mechanical properties, such as modulus and tensile strength, and improves transparency in polymer composites.
Nano Alumina (Aluminium Oxide)
Nano alumina particles can be acid treated to modify their surface chemistry and improve their compatibility with polymer matrices. Acid treatment removes surface contaminants and creates hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the alumina surface, enhancing adhesion to the polymer matrix and promoting better dispersion. Acid-treated nano alumina is used to improve the mechanical properties, thermal stability, and flame retardancy of polymer composites.
Nano Titania (Titanium Dioxide)
Nano titania particles are often acid treated to remove surface impurities and increase surface hydroxyl groups (-OH). Acid treatment improves the dispersibility of nano titania in polymer matrices and enhances its UV absorption properties, making it suitable for UV protection applications in polymers such as coatings, films, and plastics.
Nano Zinc Oxide (Zinc Oxide)
Nano zinc oxide particles can benefit from acid treatment to improve their dispersion and compatibility with polymer matrices. Acid treatment removes surface contaminants and creates hydroxyl groups (-OH) on the zinc oxide surface, enhancing adhesion to the polymer matrix and promoting better dispersion. Acid-treated nano zinc oxide is commonly used as a UV stabilizer and antimicrobial agent in polymer composites.
Nano Calcium Carbonate (Calcium Carbonate)
Nano calcium carbonate particles can undergo acid treatment to modify their surface chemistry and improve their compatibility with polymer matrices. Acid treatment removes surface impurities and increases surface hydroxyl groups (-OH), enhancing adhesion to the polymer matrix and promoting better dispersion. Acid-treated nano calcium carbonate is used to improve the mechanical properties and stiffness of polymer composites.
These are just a few examples of inorganic fillers that can benefit from acid treatment to enhance their performance in polymer matrices. Acid treatment modifies the surface chemistry of these fillers, improving their dispersion, adhesion, and compatibility with polymers, ultimately leading to enhanced properties in the resulting polymer composites.