Degree of dispersion of polymeric compounds determined with terahertz time‐domain spectroscopy

Abstract

Terahertz spectroscopy has been presented as a new technique for analyzing the degree of dispersion of polymeric compounds. It is a contact‐free and nondestructive technique that can also be used to monitor the filler content of compounds inline during the extrusion process as has already been presented elsewhere. The utilized terahertz frequency range bridges the infrared and the microwave region in the electromagnetic spectrum. Here, we present offline terahertz measurements and mechanical tests on injection molded specimens consisting of wood plastic composites with varying filler contents and different dispersion qualities. A clear linear relation between results of the terahertz measurements and mechanical tests has been found showing that terahertz spectroscopy is a powerful tool for analyzing polymeric compounding processes. POLYM. ENG. SCI., 2011. © 2010 Society of Plastics Engineers

Study and evaluation of dispersion of polyhedral oligomeric silsesquioxane and silica filler in polypropylene composites

“…The filler/filler and filler/polymer interactions influence the level of compatibility between the composite components and consequently dispersion of the filler particles in the polymer matrix which is one of the most important factors determining the properties of polymer composites . Homogeneous dispersion of the filler particles in the polymer matrix provides a desirable reinforcing effect because of enhanced polymer–filler interactions, while the presence of filler aggregates would attenuate that effect . Generally, the degree of filler dispersion refers to the number and size of aggregates and agglomerates of filler particles in a polymer matrix .…”

“…Homogeneous dispersion of the filler particles in the polymer matrix provides a desirable reinforcing effect because of enhanced polymer–filler interactions, while the presence of filler aggregates would attenuate that effect . Generally, the degree of filler dispersion refers to the number and size of aggregates and agglomerates of filler particles in a polymer matrix .…”

“…Microscopic methods, such as optical microscopy , scanning electron microscopy (SEM) , transmission electron microscopy , or atomic force microscopy are also very popular despite the fact that they allow only for visual estimation and they provide a quite subjective evaluation of the composites homogeneity. In some cases, the degree of filler dispersion in composite materials is evaluated indirectly through mechanical characteristics of composites, especially by the elongation at break or impact strength tests . However, the unambiguous assessment of the degree of filler dispersion is still a challenging task.…”

Markets, Availability, Notice, and Technical Performance of Terahertz Systems: Historic Development, Present, and Trends

“…Industrial applications being explored by commercially oriented companies are coming progressively more and more into focus [1][2][3][14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21].…”

Terahertz-time domain spectrometer with 90 dB peak dynamic range

“…Applications that call for such a system include studies of dynamic processes in biomolecules [15], measurements under rapidly changing environmental conditions, e.g. varying temperatures or magnetic fields [16], and inline process control of plastic materials [17].…”