Polymer Nanotechnology Chapter 2

Dispersing Nanoparticles – The Key to Application

Authors: S. Pilotek, F. Tabellion, S. Schär and K. Steingröver

Affilation: Buhler PARTEC GmbH, Germany

Pages: 64 - 67

Keywords: nanoparticle, dispersion, mechanochemical, surface modification

Abstract:
Inorganic nanoparticles are used in many different branches: e.g. display technology, consumer goods, coatings, plastics, cosmetics, and paper industry use nanoparticles as major components or functional additives. In most applications, the particles are needed in a well-dispersed state at least in one processing step. Often the product properties are determined by the quality of the dispersion. Consequently, dispersing nanoparticles is an enabling step for using nanoparticles in real-world products. We produce dispersions of inorganic nanoparticles in water, organic solvents, and resins by combining chemical and mechanical competences. The requirements of different applications with respect to functionality, reactivity, viscosity, solid content, solvents, pH value, etc. are taken into account. For each application, the chemistry of the particle surface is carefully controlled and adapted to match the composition of the formulation. Depending on the state of agglomeration of the starting material, different deagglomeration machines have been employed such as mixers, rotor-stator systems, kneaders, or high-energy bead mills. The talk will highlight examples from different industries: Aqueous silica dispersions for the paper industry, catalytically active metal oxides, oxides of high refractive index for optical applications, and mineral UV absorbers for coatings and plastics.

ISBN: 1-4200-6183-6
Pages: 838
Hardcopy: $139.95