DYNAMIC MECHANICAL-PROPERTIES OF POLYMERS FILLED WITH AGGLOMERATED PARTICLES

The filler particles in most filled polymers are not perfectly dispersed but are more or less agglomerated. The degree of agglomeration and the strength of the agglomerates, which can be modified by surface treatments, have a very great effect on the dynamic mechanical properties. Filler agglomerates which are wetted by the polymer matrix produce higher elastic moduli than similar agglomerates which are not wetted. The relative damping in most filled polymers is very temperature-dependent. A qualitative explanation is given for this temperature dependence. The degree of agglomeration and the strength of the agglomerates are important factors in determining the damping.