Degradation of Polymers: Polymer Additives and Their Affects
Course Module for ME 5XX - The Degradation of Polymers
Polymer Additives and Their Affects
| Additive | Affect | |
|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Property Modifiers | ||
| Plasticizers | increase flexibility | |
| Impact modifiers | improve impact strength | |
| Reinforcing fillers | increase strength properties | |
| Nucleating agents | modify crystalline morphology | |
| Surface Property Modifiers | ||
| Slip and antiblocking agents | precent film and sheet sticking | |
| Lubricants | precent sticking to machinery | |
| Antistatic agents | prevent static charge on surfaces | |
| Coupling agents | improve bonding between polymer and filler | |
| Wetting agents | stabilize dispersions of filler | |
| Antifogging agents | disperse moisture droplets on films | |
| Chemical Property Modifiers | ||
| Flame retardants | reduce flammability | |
| Ultraviolet stabilizers | improves light stability | |
| Antioxidants | prevent oxidative degradation | |
| Biocides | prevent mildew | |
| Aesthetic Property Modifiers | ||
| Dyes and pigments | impart color | |
| Odorants | add fragrance | |
| Deodorants | prevent development of odor | |
| Nucleating agents | improve light transmission | |
| Processing Modifiers | ||
| Plasticizers | reduce melt viscosity | |
| Slip agents and lubricants | prevent sticking to processing machinery | |
| Low-profile additives | prevent shrinkage and warpage | |
| Thickening agents | increase viscosity of polymer solutions or dispersions | |
| Heat stabilizers | prevent degradation during processing | |
| Defoaming agents | reduce foaming | |
| Blowing agents | manufacture stable foams | |
| Emulsifiers | stabilize polymer emulsions | |
| Crosslinking (curing) agents | crosslink polymer | |
| Promoters | speed up crosslinking (curing) |
This page prepared by Kimberly Farrell for Professor Sisson of WPI, for use in ME XXX, Corrosion and assorted fun times.