When mixing polymers with other components, be it fillers or
even other polymers these two or more components will not necessarily like each
other. In most of the cases there will be a repelling force and there will be
very poor or even no adhesion. This will occur while mixing or even in many
cases also when trying to adhere such components. An analogy of the real world
will be mixing of oil and water in your salad sauce. Without mixing the
components will separate. An example in the polymer world will be PA and PE
In order to improve adhesion, adhesion promotors can be added.
Adhesion promotors that are most easy to handle are polymeric adhesion promotors,
which can also be called compatibilizers or coupling agents. They act as
surfactants . For example detergent powder as surfactant will 'compatibilise'
the dirt with the water in the washing maschine and facilitate the washing cycle.
When adhesion promotors are used to increase the compatibility of
two immiscible polymers, they are called COMPATIBILIZERS (mode of action).
When adhesion promotors are used to increase the adhesion between
a polymeric system and a filler, they are called COUPLING AGENTS(mode of action).
Chemically these are the same materials in both cases.
In this Adhesion Promotors Center, we are offering you information selected and
structured to answer your questions about compatibilization and coupling agents.
You find out the basic mechanism
of action and a description
of polymeric adhesion promotors.
Some applications will illustrate the benefits of such
products. A recommendation guide will help you in making the right choices for
your specific application.
If you need fast and efficient assistance for your
compatbilization and coupling issues, you are welcome to use TechDirect,
our free technical assistance provided with the help of an expert in the field
of polymeric adhesion promotors. With TechDirect, you
will rapidly get the solution to your problem.
Coupling of polymer & filler: Achieve better wetting of your filler
Improve filler dispersion
Get greater homogeneity for the blend
Compatibilization of your polymer blends: Enhance mechanical properties of your blend
Achieve better processability
Facilitate recycling of food packaging
Improve surface aspect
