FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a composite of a hollow glass microsphere and a polymer with modifiable properties to produce enhanced products. The novel properties are produced in the composite by novel interactions of the components. The hollow glass microsphere and polymer composite materials are a unique combination of a hollow glass microsphere typically particulate components and a polymer material that optimizes the composite structure and characteristics through blending the combined polymer and hollow glass micros to 90% of the base polymer materials to achieve true composite properties.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to a composite of a hollow glass microsphere and a polymer having improved and novel properties methods of making and applications of the materials. The material of the invention is provided through a selection of non metallic, hollow glass microsphere particle specie, particle size (Ps) distribution, molecular weight, and viscoelastic character and processing conditions. The particles have a specific and novel particle morphology that cooperates with the components of the invention to provide the needed properties to the composite. The material attains adjustable chemical/physical properties through hollow glass microsphere selection and polymer selection.
DETAILED DISCUSSION OF THE INVENTION
The invention relates to novel composites made by combining a hollow glass microsphere particulate with a polymer to achieve novel physical electrical surface and viscoelastic properties. A hollow glass microsphere particulate having a particle size ranging from about 10 microns to about 1,500 microns can be used in the invention. The maximum size is such that the particle size (Ps) of the particle is less than 20% of either the least dimension or the thinnest part under stress in an end use article. Such particles can be substantially hollow and spherical.
Both thermoplastic and thermosetting resins can be used in the invention. Such resins are discussed in more detail below. In the case of thermoplastic resins, the composites are specifically formed by blending the particulate and interfacial modifier with thermoplastic and then forming the material into a finished composite. Thermosetting composites are made by combining the particulate and interfacial modifier with an uncured material and then curing the material into a finished composite.
This article comes from justia edit released
