Inorganic-Whisker-Reinforced Polymer Composites Synthesis, Properties and Applications

Inorganic-Whisker-Reinforced Polymer Composites: Synthesis, Properties and Applications gives a comprehensive presentation of inorganic microcrystalline fibers, or whiskers, a polymer composite filler. It covers whisker synthesis, surface modification, applications for reinforcing polymer-matrix composites, and analysis of resulting filled polymer composites. It focuses on calcium carbonate whiskers as a primary case study, introducing surface treatment methods for calcium carbonate whiskers and factors that influence them.Along with calcium carbonate, the book discusses potassium titanate and aluminum borate whiskers, which also comprise the new generation of inorganic whiskers. According to research results, composites filled by inorganic whiskers show improved strength, wear-resistance, thermal conductivity, and antistatic properties. It explains the importance of modifying polymer materials for use with inorganic whiskers and describes preparation and evaluation methods of polymers filled with inorganic whiskers.The book also considers possible challenges and solutions in synthesis and applications of polymers filled with inorganic whiskers. It summarizes the latest practices and research progress in China and elsewhere. With much of its information being new outside of China, Inorganic-Whisker-Reinforced Polymer Composites calls attention to the excellent promise displayed by applications of inorganic whiskers. They have the potential for wide and durable application and also for further development. This book demonstrates their potential and presents current and future directions in polymer science and inorganic whiskers.

Introduction. General Principles of Filling Modification of Polymer Materials. New Materials—Inorganic Whiskers. Application of Filling Inorganic Whiskers into Polymers. Surface Modification and Characterization of Calcium Carbonate Whiskers. Research on Polypropylene Filled with Calcium Carbonate Whiskers.

Qiuju Sun, PhD, is a professor in the College of Chemistry and Life Science at Shenyang Normal University and the director of Shenyang Key Laboratory of the advanced materials preparation and application at Shenyang Normal University. She earned her PhD at Northeastern University, China. She has been working at Shenyang Normal University since 1991. Her main research fields are liquid crystal polymers and polymer-matrix composites. She has more than 30 journal-published papers and patents.Wu Li, PhD, is a research fellow and PhD supervisor of Qinghai Institute of Salt Lakes, Chinese Academy of Sciences. He earned his PhD from Lanzhou University. His research centers on inorganic whisker materials and comprehensive utilization of salt lake brines.