Thermoplastic nanocomposites
Nanoparticles can provide new functionalities for polymers, such as electrical and thermal conductivity. Nanoparticles have a large aspect ratio. This property makes nanoparticles very effective at low filler loadings.
Avoiding the formation of agglomerates or clusters during compounding is critical in order to maintain nanoparticle effectiveness. An agglomerate acts as a microparticle and high additivation of microparticles is needed to achieve good electrical and thermal properties. Agglomerates also decrease mechanical properties as they act as stress concentrators. Therefore, the processing conditions of nanocomposites must be optimised to improve dispersion. This will imply an improvement in nanocomposite properties and cost reductions in producing nanocomposites.
Our solutions
In order to avoid problems related to poor nanoparticle dispersion we offer the following technical solutions:
- Studies on nanocomposite viability taking into account technical and economic aspects.
- Correct selection of nanomaterials.
- Design of experiments in the compounding phase.
- Dispersion quality analysis.
- Postprocessing.
Technical advice and assistance
AIMPLAS has been working in the development of nanomaterials for compounding since 2004. Carbon nanotubes, carbon nanofibres, nanometals, nano metal oxides, nanoclays and recently nanographites and graphenes have been the most common materials used and mixed with all kind of polymers, from commodity plastics, to technical and high-performance polymers.
This experience has enabled us to provide solutions in the following areas:
- Nanomaterial selection.
- Handling and dosing.
- Dispersion optimisation.
- Safety measures.
- Scale-ups for industrial processing machines.
To obtain and develop:
- Short batches of new thermoplastic nanocomposites.
- Masterbatches of nanocomposites.
- Working protocols with these new materials.
