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Polymer composites containing plasma‐treated mica. I. Flow and mechanical properties

1976; Wiley; Volume: 20; Issue: 10 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1002/app.1976.070201005

1097-4628

H. P. Schreiber, Yadu B. Tewari, M. R. Wertheimer,

Surface Modification and Superhydrophobicity

Abstract Suzorite mica has been surface modified by microwave plasma treatment in ethylene gas. The surface‐treated mica was used as a filler in polyethylene, polystyrene, and a mixture of these two polymers. Significant changes in rheological behavior ensue. These indicate that adhesion between polyethylene and irradiated mica is superior to that of interfaces using unirradiated mica. In contrast, ethylene irradiation reduces the ability of filled polystyrene compounds to store elastic energy in melt flow, an effect consistent with impaired adhesion at interfaces involving these components. An intermediate situation exists in the case of the two‐polymer blend. The tensile properties of these systems also reflect surface treatment, reinforcement occurring in polyethylene‐containing compounds, while the tensile properties of polystyrene composites deteriorate. Plasma‐induced surface modifications of fillers to produce desired property changes in specified polymer matrixes are implied by the present work, but a fuller understanding of the chemistry of surface modification reactions is needed to substantiate these implications.