Particle additives in liquid and solid performance materials
FUMED SILICA FOR RHEOLOGY CONTROL
IN ADHESIVES AND SEALANTS
Formulators use particles to enhance the functionality
of existing polymer matrices for adhesive and sealant
products. Fumed silica is commonly used as a rheology
control additive; for providing sag resistance, anti-settling
of fillers, and shear-thinning viscosity. The generic
term “fumed silica” defines a broad range of products
with different surface chemistries, from hydrophilic to
hydrophobic.
These products have differing compatibility to polymer
systems. This enables formulators to fine-tune the
rheology performance. At the same time, formulators
can enhance the viscoelastic response of liquid systems
by controlling particle-particle interactions and particle–
matrix interfacial adhesion. Such interactions can yield
desirable viscoelasticity and provide a means of securely
incorporating hard materials, which lengthen fracture
paths, and dissipate energy at interfacial junctions(1).
These properties strengthen films. This article presents
recent application development data, which illustrates the
benefit of these interactions to scientists and engineers
developing new adhesives and sealants.
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