Chemically modified fillers and reinforcements growing fast, says Principia Partners

Use of chemically modified fillers and reinforcements for plastics in North America has grown “dramatically” over the past decade reaching almost 3 billion lbs (1.36 million tonnes) in 2005. This is according to a report by mining industry consultants Principia Partners, and includes an estimated 1.5 billion lbs of surface-modified minerals and another 1.4 billion lbs of treated reinforcements.

The report adds that demand for products treated with coupling agents and dispersion aids has grown by over 9% per year over the past decade. It also finds that future use of chemically modified fillers and reinforcements in plastics is set to grow to almost 4 billion lbs in 2010. Use of natural fibres such as wood, flour and agricultural fibres as reinforcements has grown 20% per year in composite building products and automotive components. And the use of chemicals to improve dispersion properties has become more important as mineral filler producers continue to develop finer particle size products.

Chemicals are also used for coupling and many fillers and reinforcements are also surface treated to achieve a variety of ends. These include: improved moisture resistance; reduced surface energy and melt viscosity; increased processing through-put; reduced need for stabilisers and lubricants; and better surface appearance.