Fillers and reinforcements in polymers

To modify the property profiles of thermoplastics (and also thermosets) different fillers and reinforcements are applied. We work on the questions with which filler and which modification what property profile can be reached. Also we deal with the influence of processing, which is especially prominent in the case of fibre reinforcement, to also investigate the structure- property-processing-relationships.

ThermoMelt4PA

The aim of "ThermoMelt4PA" is to solve these problems through
(1) Further development of SLS, i.e. by using the patented ThermoMelt® concept for processing polyamide PA 6 and subsequently bio-based PA 6.10 with additional usability of strength-increasing reinforcement (carbon short fibers),
(2) ThermoMelt embedding in hybrid AM production via ...

ReZeoSorb

Natural zeolite is an inexpensive raw material with very special properties. Molecules can be attached to its microporous surface and released again. This effect can be used for the functionalization of plastics, e.g. for moisture absorption or odor reduction.

The aim of this project "ReZeoSorb" is ...

EMU-Spiro

Photochromic spiro-pigments can be applied in autarkic controlled shading systems to reduce energy in buildings. However, these colours can be used only to a limited extent due to the low light fastness and UV-instability. Additionally, the properties of the different photochromic additives are modifiable depending on the material’s matrix.

Thus, the aim of the project is the determination of the significant influence parameters of photochromic spiro-pigments (depending on the enveloping shell) to investigate a structure-property-relationship-model.

ModiTalc

The project “ModiTalc”, a sub-project within the project “ReBiComp” (program “Regionale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit 2007-2013”, co-funded by the Upper Austrian government and the EU), dealt with the surface modification of talc with silanes. The results show, that, depending on the organo-functionality of the silane the interfacial interaction with the compatibilizer varies, which is also represented in differences in the macroscopic properties.

Ecotool

Injection moulding for small scale production is often not realised due to the high cost of the moulds. Through injection moulds from metal powder filled resin casts a cost effective alternative to aluminium- and steel-moulds should be created, which is applicable for fully automated injection moulding up to at least 2,000 shots. In this project first steps towards testing the feasibility of this idea were undertaken. We found, that it is necessary to have a well-developed material for the casting material as well as a well-developed process, to succeed in manufacturing injection moulding tool inserts, which are applicable for producing 2,000 shots at least.

AdInComp

In the scope of the project AdInComp (program “Regionale Wettbewerbsfähigkeit 2007-2013”, co-funded by the Upper Austrian government and the EU) we worked, besides other topics, on the adhesion of basalt fibres in a polymer matrix via selected interface and matrix modification. Via materials selection, aided in the pre-screening with a micromechanical test (the microdebond-test) we were able to improve elastic modulus and stiffness up to 50% in regard to the initial formulation.

References

Battenfeld-Cincinnati, Camo, Erema, Fill, Greiner Packaging, Hawle, ifw, KMI, Kruschitz, KTM Technologies, Kuvag, Lithos Natural, M2C, NGR, OFI, PCE, Peak Technology, Poloplast, Praher, Rosenbauer, Semperit, SFC, Theurl Leimholzbau, Tiger Lacke, TIZ Grieskirchen, Trodat, Zitta