Product Description
Non-metallic minerals play a crucial role in the production of polymers, serving as both fillers and mineral reinforcements. Among these minerals, wollastonite stands out for its unique reinforcement properties, making it highly desirable in various applications. With its exceptional thermal stability, low resin demand, and high chemical purity, wollastonite proves to be an ideal reinforcement option for a range of materials, including thermoplastics, engineering alloys, thermosets, and elastomers.
Thanks to its acicular structure, wollastonite offers several advantages to polymer composites. One notable benefit is the increase in flexural modulus, providing enhanced stiffness and strength to the material. This results in improved dimensional stability, ensuring that the composite maintains its shape and structure over time. Additionally, the scratch resistance of the composite is significantly improved, making it more durable and resistant to wear.
Another significant advantage of incorporating wollastonite in polymer composites is its ability to enhance fire resistance. Wollastonite acts as a flame retardant, forming a protective barrier that inhibits the spread of fire and reduces the release of harmful gases. This property is particularly valuable in applications where fire safety is a crucial consideration, such as construction materials and electrical components.
Furthermore, wollastonite offers additional functionalities, such as electricity conductivity. This characteristic makes it suitable for applications that require electrical conductivity, such as in electronic devices or conductive coatings. Wollastonite can also be used in conjunction with chopped glass and synthetic reinforcements to extend their properties, providing synergistic effects and further enhancing the mechanical performance of the composite.
In addition to its technical properties, wollastonite contributes to a more sustainable and environmentally friendly composite production process. It reduces the emission of odors and volatilization commonly associated with certain polymers, resulting in a more pleasant and healthier working environment. Moreover, wollastonite aids in reducing the coefficient of linear thermal expansion (CLTE), minimizing the dimensional changes caused by temperature fluctuations. This property is particularly valuable in applications where dimensional stability is crucial, such as precision parts or products subject to varying thermal conditions.
In conclusion, the incorporation of wollastonite as a reinforcement in polymer composites brings numerous advantages. Its thermal stability, low resin demand, and chemical purity make it an ideal choice for various polymer matrix materials. By utilizing wollastonite, manufacturers benefit from improved dimensional and thermal stability, enhanced fire resistance, scratch resistance, electricity conductivity, and reduced odor emissions. These properties contribute to the development of high-performance composites with improved properties and a reduced environmental impact.
