Fillers: product lines reviewed.

FILLERS

ABRASIVE MACHINE & SUPPLY CO.

Glass bead fillers are available for increasing mechanical and dielectric strength. Filler can be supplied already coated with resin.

ADELL PLASTICS, INC.

Offers custom compounds of filler concentrates up to 75% filler in all thermoplastics. Multifunctional concentrates containing more than one type of additive are also available.

AGRASHELL, INC.

Supplies walnut-shell flours for use as low-density filler in phenolics and cast polyester. Standard grades (WF-5, -200 mesh; and WF-7, -325 mesh) are light in color, free-flowing, nontoxic, low in resin demand and easily dispersed.

AKROCHEM CORP.

Akrochem products include calcium carbonates, kaolin clays, alumina trihydrates, wood and fiber flocks, wood flours, micas, magnesium carbonates, and precipitated amorphous silica.

ALLIED CUSTOM GYPSUM

Supplies gypsum as a flame-retardant filler. See Flame Retardants.

ALLIED PRODUCTS CORP.

See Coz Div.

ALUCHEM INC.

Offers a wide variety of ground hydrated alumina, calcium carbonates, and magnesium oxide fillers.

Four independent milling system enable the company to produce 21 particlesize distributions ranging from 65% to 100% minus 325 mesh with median particle sizes of 4 to 30 microns. Specialty "super-fine" ground fillers, with a median particle size of 1.5 microns, are also available. Twelve grades of hydrated alumina/calcium carbonate blends are also offered.

AMERICAN METAL FIBERS, INC.

Stainless-steel, low-carbon-steel and brass fibers chopped from metallic wools serve as conductive fillers for EMI shielding and as reinforcements. Fiber diameter ranges from 30 to 150 microns with lengths from 1 to 3 mm.

AMERICAN WOOD FIBERS

Manufactures hardwood and softwood flour, which is low in density and has a particle size of 20-200 mesh. The wood flour is scientifically processed in bulk or bagged form. Company operates several plants throughout the U.S.

BASIC CHEMICALS

Company offers magnesium oxide and magnesium carbonate.

BEKAERT STEEL WIRE CORP.

Beki-Shield fibers are produced from extremely fine stainless-steel wire and are useful where electrical conductivity, EMI/RFI shielding, and static dissipation are required. Product is said to be more conductive than competitive additives, so that it may be used in smaller amounts.

It reportedly provides good EMI shielding without significantly affecting the mechanical properties of the compound. It is available as slivers (chopped fiber bundles with no twist), continous roving, yarn, blended yarn (textile fiber blended with metal fibers), and chopped fibers (packages of parallel cut fibers held together by an adhesive that will dissolve during compounding). If desired, any of these products can be treated with an appropriate sizing. Beki-Shield GR products are chopped fibers sized with resin-specific sizings. Beki-Shield VK products are continuous-filament tow of various diameter sizes and filaments per tow weaving and longfiber processing.

BURGESS PIGMENT CO.

Offers hydrous, anhydrous, and thermooptic aluminum silicates (clays) designed as brightening agents and fillers. They are recommended as replacements and extenders for costly white pigments in compounds for insulating, extrusion, and floor covering.

Icecap K, Iceberg, and No. 30 are said to provide high electrical resistance, excellent processing, low moisture absorption, uniform color, and improved resistance to alkalis and acids. Company reports that its Tisyn provides the maximum opacity available from thermo-optic pigments.

Most of the company's pigments can be surface-treated with silanes to improve properties in specific systems. KE, for example, is said to give excellent wet and dry electrical characteristics in crosslinked PE and polyester.

BURNS & RUSSELL CO.

SPECIALTY CHEMICALS DIV.

Offers low-cost, medium-to-large particle-size surface-modified silicas. Company's F-40 (40-50 mesh), F-200 (70-75 mesh), F-400 (42-45 mesh) silicas permit exceptionally high loading in a wide array of systems without severe loss of physical or chemical properties. Properties such as stain and abrasion resistance and weatherability are improved.

F-Series silica fillers are compatible with a broad range of polymeric applications, including backup layers, gel coats, epoxy flooring, and other thermoplastic and thermoset systems. In epoxy and polyester systems, F-40 and F-200 may replace up to 75% of the resin and have been used instead of glass beads and microspheres.

CABOT CORP.

CAB-O-SIL DIV.

Company's Cab-O-Sil fumed silica is offered as a processing aid, thixotrope, and viscosity-control agent in unsaturated polyesters, epoxies, silicone rubber, and PVC. It is used to control polyester resin viscosity and prevent sagging or running in gel coats and laminating resins during cure. In liquid resin systems it can also help to keep solids, such as fillers, in suspension and evenly dispersed.

In PVC plastisols and calendering, it soaks up excess plasticizer, provides thixotropy, prevents plate-out, and keeps dry compounds free-flowing. Cab-O-Sil's dielectric properties and heat stability also make it a suitable reinforcement for PVC electrical insulation and for silicones.

Company offers several types of carbon black. Typical grades are Black Pearls 120, Black Pearls 130, and Black Pearls 280. Vulcan XC72 and Vulcan PA90 are for conductive applications.

CANCARB LTD.

Company's Thermax, a medium thermal carbon black provides low-level structure and reportedly the largest particle size of any carbon black. Thermax is produced in several grades in order to meet a customer's individual needs.

Characteristics of Thermac include:

*Its ability to be compounded at high-loading levels without degrading polymer properties, thereby producing highly extended compounds and reducing overall costs.

*It has very low abrasion characteristics, resulting in less wear on extrusion equipment.

*It provides good dielectric properties, chemical and heat resistance.

*Low sieve residue values. Typical values on 325 mesh tests are 0.0005%.

Plastics applications include XLPE wire and cable insulation, heat shrinkable connectors and pigmentation.

CARBORUNDUM CO.

Fiberfrax alumina-silica fiber is a reinforcing filler which is said to offer excellent physical properties, low thermal expansion, superior thermal stability, excellent corrosion resistance, superior wear resistance, and resistance to moisture absorption. The fibers are available in a variety of lengths, diameters, surface areas and chemistries, which can be further modified by surface treatments and the removal of unfiberized particulate.

Fiberfrax reinforced composites reportedly have superior retention of physical properties at elevated temperatures. In phenolic composites:

*After 240 hours at 425 F, a Fiberfrax composite retained over 95% of its flexural strength compared to 70% for fiberglass.

*After 500 hours at 450 F, the composite retained 58% of its flexural strength compared to 19% for fiberglass.

Fiberfrax epoxy composites are said to offer excellent wear resistance as well as superior retention of physical properties after exposure to water.

CATAPHOTE INC.

Solid glass microspheres, offered in a wide range of sizes, reinforce and extend all thermosets and most thermoplastics used in injection molding, extrusion, compression molding and open-mold casting. For a strong interfacial bond, spheres are treated with silane or other coatings. They are said in increase flow and ease of extrusion, to raise compressive strength, stiffness and abrasion resistance, to reduce creep, water absorption and shrinkage, and to give better mold-fill and more uniform cooling, which can cut injection cycle times up to 20%.

CLAREMONT FLOCK CORP.

Manufactures cotton, nylon and other synthetic-fiber filler flocks used in plastic formulations.

COLORCO, INC.

Colored or noncolored concentrates containing talc, calcium carbonate or other fillers are available for most thermoplastics.

COMPOSITION MATERIALS CO., INC.

Offers a variety of organic fillers:

*Nut shells - walnut (including English walnut and eastern black walnut), pecan and apricot pit (flour and grits, all mesh sizes).

*Flock - cellulose (bleached and unbleached), cotton, leather, synthetics.

*Cellulose K (treated), an asbestos replacement.

*Wood flour (hardwood and softwood, 40-325 mesh), also sawdust and shavings.

*Reclaimed rubber dust.

*Rice hulls (flour and grits).

*Corn cobs (flour and grits).

*A new cross-linked polymer filler is also offered. Trademarked Plasti-Grit flour, product is available in urea, polyester and melamine for compression molding and extrusion.

COZ DIV.

ALLIED PRODUCTS CORP.

Offers concentrates for styrenics, polyolefins and most thermoplastics containing different levels of clay and talc.

CUSTOM GRINDERS SALES, INC.

Produces a line of ground alumina trihydrate, alumina trihydrate/calcium carbonate blends, and calcium sulfate. Custom grinds and blends are offered. See also Flame Retardants.

CYPRUS INDUSTRIAL MINERALS

Produces a complete line of calcium carbonates. Kotamite, Atomite, Supermite and Supercoat grades are specifically designed for rigid PVC, PP and PE. Kotamite and Supercoat are surface-treated and have a mean particle size of 2.5 and 1 micron, respectively. Atomite is widely used in flexible PVC. Snowflake PE grade is specifically designed for polyester SMC and BMC. Company also produces natural, unbleached barium sulfate, clay, and talc.

CYPRUS WINDSOR MINERALS

Offers high-purity, asbestos-free platy talc, which is organophilic and hydrophobic. Material has a small particle size and can be used at levels up to 30% of total mix.

D.J. ENTERPRISES

Offers Econ-Glass PER solid glass beads in nominal 50-mesh size, and a flame-retardant filler blend of alumina and silica, called Sillum PL-200.

Sillum-200 Q/P solid bead is utilized as a heat stabilizer and manufactured to a 44-75 micron range. It is insoluble, nonthixotropic with excellent suspension and dispersion; nonhygroscopic; reduces shrinkage; and improves hardness.

A new addition to Company's product line is metallic beads in a 44-75 micron range. It is currently being used in applications where additional weight is required, such as nylon counter-weight parts, or poly-based compounds for lawn furniture. It also offers application as an antistatic control additive.

Company also offers its Micro P resin extender, which is a noncombustible, chemically stable inert amorphous mineral silicate. Micro P is stable-insoluble in water/organic acids; has a high filler loading capability; is nonthixotropic and water-resistant; has low-moisture content; and is nonhygroscopic. It reduces shrinkage and exotherm temperature and is nonconductive and compatible with flame retardants.

DAVISON CHEMICAL DIV.

See W.R. Grace & Co.

DEGUSSA CORP.

Aerosil 130, 200, 300 and 380 are pyrogenic silicas used as thixotropes and reinforcing fillers for silicone rubber and as additives to prevent plateout in calendered PVC. Aerosil R 972 is a hydrophobic pyrogenic silica used as a reinforcing filler for silicone rubber and as a free-low additive where moisture pickup could cause caking problems.

Aluminum oxide C is a pyrogenic alumina used as an antistatic agent for granular plastics and as a thixotrope in aqueous systems.

Company also manufactures a wide range of precipitated silicas. Sipernat 22LS, FR500LS, and Sipernat 44 are used as antiblocking agents in blown PP film. Sipernat 22LS and FK500LS are also used to prevent plateout in PVC calendered films. Sipernat 22, 22S, 50, and 50S act as anticaking aids or can be used to convert liquids into easy-to-disperse powders. Sipernat D17 and D11 are hydrophobic precipitated silicas that are used as anticaking agents for extremely hydroscopic powders. FK140 and FK160 precipitated silicas are used as reinforcing fillers in silicone rubber.

Company also produces OK412, OK500, HK188 and TS100 flatting agents for PVC and coil coatings.

DODGE-REGUPOL, INC.

Cork is supplied in spherical, cubical, elongated, and shredded forms, in particle sizes of 1 in. to 150 mesh and densities of 3-12 lb/cu ft. Cork is an inert filler used to lower cost and density, to build viscosity, and to boost dimensional stability and coefficient of friction. It reportedly can increase thermal, acoustical, and impact-absorption properties when used in sufficient quantities. In most elastomer compounds it is said to reduce sideflow measurably.

ECC AMERICA

Supplies kaolin clays, including surface-modified grades.

ECCA CALCIUM PRODUCTS

SUB. ECC AMERICA

Produces a wide range of calcium carbonate products for use in plastic compounds, including surface modified grades.

EAGLE QUALITY PRODUCTS CO., INC.

Manufactures a series of mica products Micaflex R and M. These are used in all thermoplastic and thermoset resin systems as reinforcing fillers. The R Series exhibits low-viscosity buildup in liquid resin systems (polyester and epoxy), reduces shrinkage and sinks, and is an excellent partial short-glass-fiber replacement. Micraflex R in polyolefins produces higher elongation and unnotched Izod impact than other micas at comparable concentrations.

Micaflex M series is white and also compatible with all plastic systems. The series allows clean, consistent colors to be produced, particularly in polypropylene and thermoplastic polyesters.

EMERSON & CUMING, INC.

W.R. GRACE & CO.

Eccosphere are free-flowing, thin-walled, hollow glass spheres about 30-200 microns in diameter. Combined with a resin or inorganic binder, Eccospheres reportedly produce light-weight syntactic foams of low density, high strenght-to-weight ratio, good machining properties and excellent thermal and electric characteristics. Uses include electronic and hydrospace applications. Because they are perfect spheres, Eccospheres reportedly enhance flow qualities of the uncured mixture and can be combined with other fillers or fibers to produce high-strength core materials of unusually low density. Commonly used binder resins include epoxy, polyester, and PVC.

ENGELHARD CORP., SPECIALTY

MINERALS & COLORS GROUP

Offers the following four different families of mineral reinforcements:

*Translink surface-modified calcined kaolin-based products are designed to enhance processing and performance characteristics.

*Satintone extenders and reinforcements are inert, fine-particle-sized calcined kaolin-based products having low residue and moisture.

*The ASP-BUCA-Catalpo family are hydrous kaolin-based products of various particle sizes and modifications, including surface treatments and delamination. They perform as extenders in various plastic and rubber systems.

*Emcor 66 ultra-short whiskers are used in phenolic molding compounds for brake linings and nonasbestos gasketing.

EXPANCEL-NOBEL INDUSTRIES

Company's Expancel line of expandable thermoplastic microspheres with ultra-low density (0.02-0.06 g/cc) and resilient properties, are white spherically formed particles with an average diameter of 30 microns. They are suitable for reducing weight, improving strength-to-weight ratio and reportedly compensate mechanical and thermal stress. The resilient nature of the product makes a resin mix particularly suitable for spray-up applications. Expancel is used in thermosets, elastomers and coatings.

FUJIMI AMERICA INC.

Offers high-purity alumina and silica powders for use as fillers. Specializing in precision particle classification for abrasive powders and polishes, company will customize ultra-tight particles-size distributions down to submicron levels.

FRANKLIN LIMESTONE CO.

SPECIALTY PRODUCTS DIV.

Formerly Tac Industries, Inc., company supplies calcium carbonate in a wide range of particle sizes. Called Amical, this oolitic material can be used in vinyl, polyester, latex, coatings and urethanes, and reportedly minimizes wear on molds.

Company recently added muscovite mica to its product line with the acquisition of M.I.C.A. Corp. A full range of mica products, including surface-treated, will be available for use in polypropylene, high-density polyethylene, phenolic, and epoxy, as well as polyurethane and polyurea (RRIM) applications.

In addition, alumina tryhydrates and calcium sulfate dihydrates are offered.

FRANKLIN MINERAL PRODUCTS

DIV. OF MEARL CORP.

Wet-ground muscovite mica consists of tiny, extremely thin flakes of a potassium /aluminum silicate crystal with traces of other elements. The flakes have a silvery, off-white color, an average thickness of 0.5-2 microns and a diameter of 2-150 microns. Product is available in nominal 100, 160 and 325 mesh grades and in 1000-mesh and finer special grades.

Wet-ground mica can increase stiffness, modulus, yield stress, breaking stress, and heat-deflection temperature. Its high dielectric strength and low power factor make it useful in electrical applications.

GLS FIBERGLASS DIV., GREAT LAKES

TERMINAL & TRANSPORT

Company offers a broad range of fillers for a variety of applications. Fumed silica may be used for viscosity control, drying agent, reinforcement, thixotropic control. Soda-lime-borosilicate glass bubbles reportedly reduce the density of polyester castings and reduce cost of cultured marble.

GENSTAR STONE PRODUCTS CO.

Offers fine-ground limestone (calcium carbonate) products said to be exceptionally white. Camel-Wite has a particle size range of 0.2-12 microns (average 3 microns) and is used in polyester SMC, BMC and prepreg where it aids in viscosity control and glass dispersion, as well as in PVC, PE and PP. Camel-Fil is a low-cost filler for SMC/BMC with a unique particle-size distribution designed for high loading and/or low viscosity. Camel-Tex and Camel-Carb are coarser grades used in BMC and epoxy coatings. Camel-Cal is an ultra-fine grade with 90% of the particles smaller than 2 microns; average size is 0.7 microns. Both Camel-Wite and Camel-Cal are available with stearate coatings.

GEORGIA KAOLIN CO.

Offers a wide range of kaolin clays. Company's Hydrite line of water-washed grades is available in different particle sizes and resin demand. Hydrites are suitable for thermosets and thermoplastics; pH control assures proper cure and stability. The Glomax line of calcined kaolin extenders are designed for optimum electrical properties in wire coatings. Partial [TiO.sub.2] replacement is said to be possible in many sheet and molded products with company's Altowhite TE, a 93% brightness, high-opacity extender. Also, Kaopaque, a delaminated aluminum silicate, is said to offer improved physical properties in most thermoplastics.

GEORGIA MARBLE CO.

Produces finely ground crystalline white marble fillers with a high percent of calcium carbonate. Products are designed specifically for polyesters, polypropylene, PVC, epoxies, elastomerics and adhesives. A stearate-coated filler grade approved for high-pressure potable PVC pipe is also available.

W.R. GRACE & CO.

DAVISON CHEMICAL DIV.

Offers its line of functional silicas called Syloid and Sylobloc. Products are synthetic amorphous silicas which are pure, chemically inert, nontoxic additives used in PVC, PE, PP, PVDC, EVA, CAB, and acrylics. Used in amounts from under 1% to 3%, they are processing aids which absorb excess plasticizer, prevent caking of molding powders and plate-out, and promote printing ink acceptance. These silicas have controlled particle size distributions and good particle integrity. They are highly efficient flatting and antiblocking agents which yield high clarity films. Combinations of Sylobloc silicas and oleamide or erucamide slip aids are also available. The combinations of antiblock and slip aids show improved efficiency over the separate addition of the two additives.

GREAT LAKES MINERALS CO.

Offers a line of functional blended fillers said to reduce cost, improve properties such as flame retardancy, impact, flexural and tensile strengths, and help control density of finished parts. Custom blends and packaging are available.

GREFCO INC.

Produces a line of inert mineral fillers from diatomaceous silica and perlite, suitable for use in many plastic applications.

Dicalite diatomite multifunctional fillers are used for antiblocking in polyethylene films. In filled plastics they give dimensional stability. Dicalite perlite functional fillers help to reduce weight and provide increased impact resistance through nondirectional reinforcement.

Dicaperl hollow glass microspheres improve impact resistance, machining properties and reduce weight in some formulations.

Solka-Floc cellulose fiber fillers, distributed by the company, improve dimensional stability in molded thermoset resins, impact strength, and provide reinforcement in finished products.

C.P. HALL CO.

A full line of fillers for all types of plastics is offered, including micas and clays. Shell flour can be used as a low-density filler in phenolics and cast polyesters.

HARWICK CHEMICAL CORP.

Offers a line of carbon blacks, silicas, clays, calcium carbonates, micas, wollastonite, and bituminous coal. Some grades are surface treated for ease of dispersion and improved reinforcing properties. A complete line of silane coupling agents is also offered.

O. HOMMEL CO. Distributes several types of inorganic fillers, including calcium carbonate, silica, clays and alumina trihydrate.

J.M. HUBER CORP.

CALCIUM CARBONATE DIV.

Produces mineral filler/extenders that include calcium carbonate and barytes in particle size ranges from 1.0 micron average partial size to 40-mesh granular. Surface-treated materials are available for improved dispersion and increased filler loadings. Multiple mine and production locations in Illinois, Washington, Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Texas and Iowa ensure prompt delivery at lowest possible freight rates.

NSF-approved PVC pipe grades are offered, along with products for PVC (flexible, rigid, plastisols, floor tile) polyester, PP, epoxies, elastomers, urethanes and PE.

J.M. HUBER CORP.

CHEMICALS DIV.

The Zeothix line of company's precipitated hydrated silicas is said to offer thixotropy and viscosity control.

Zeothix 265 is specifically designed to prevent sagging or running during the cure of polyester laminating resins, gel coats, epoxies and PVC plastisols and coatings and is reported to aid in the suspension and dispersion of solid fillers in liquid resins. As a processing aid in PVC plastisol and calendering operations, it is said to prevent plate-out, dry up excess plasticizer and act as a free-flow conditioner where dry compounds, prone to caking or sticking, must be handled. Beneficial antistat and anti-blocking properties are also reportedly exhibited.

J.M. HUBER CORP.

CLAY DIV.

Several types of water-washed, airfloated and calcined kaolin clays are supplied. Clay is an inexpensive carrier for functional chemicals that bond to resin systems. The fillers reportedly reduce cycle times, extend resins without sacrificing physical properties, reduce pound-volume costs, improve processing and reinforcing properties, reduce mold shrinkage and creep, and improve heat-distortion temperature, electrical properties, surface smoothness, and printability.

Company also offers muscovite micas that are said to have outstanding aspect ratio, purity, and whiteness properties. Reported advantages of composites using the fillers include increased modulus and flexural strength, increased heat-distortion temperatures, decreased warpage, and reduced composite costs when used as glass extender.

ICI RESINS US

Winnofil S is an ultra-fine (75-milli-microns), surface-coated, precipitated calcium carbonate. It is said to improve impact strength of rigid PVC and can be used alone with organic polymeric impact modifiers. Winnofil S is designed for low-shear compounding. Applications include rigid PVC conduit, pipe, gutters, and profiles.

IMI LTD.

Surface-treated hollow ceramic microspheres are supplied for use in epoxy, phenolics, polyester, polyimide, PVC, PPS, nylon, PEEK, PP, and HDPE. Seven grades, with average particle size of 100 microns, are available in the Holospheres line. For liquid thermoset applications, Metaspheres hollow aluminosilicate spheres come in two grades with average particle sizes of 100 microns and 150 microns.

Hi-K, a proprietary filler blend, is a conductive additive for thermal conductivity. Graf-Lite, a form of low-density graphite, is used in EMI/RFI shielding compounds. High-aspect ratio-flake reinforcements with or without special surface treatments are also offered.

INDUSMIN LTD.

Produces several grades of micronized fillers for use in coatings, polymer, sealant and adhesive applications. Minspar feldspar products are used in translucent or clear plastics because of their low-tint strength and reportedly excellent abrasion resistance.

JAMES RIVER CORP.

Company's Solka-Floc is a cellulose filler said to improve impact strength and wear characteristics in moving parts. It boasts low specific gravity, controlled bulk, and good thermal properties. Filled urea compounds are reported to withstand temperature up to 170 F, melamine compounds to withstand 210 F, and darker colored phenolics to take even higher temperatures.

KMG MINERALS INC.

Muscovite mica is an inert, complex hydrous aluminum-potassium silicate reportedly offering unusual filler characteristics. Company's grades are suitable for plastic fillers and come in mesh sizes ranging from 10 to a theoretical 4000 mesh in wet-ground, micronized, or dry-ground grades. In all mesh sizes, muscovite mica maintains a plate-like structure with high thickness-to-diameter ratios of 1:25. Also, the company's HAR wet-ground micas offer aspect ratios of 1:100. This structure is said to provide excellent mechanical reinforcement along a complete plane rather than a single axis as do fiber fillers. The mineral is also said to offer high heat and chemical resistance, dielectric strength, excellent insulating properties and extremely low order of toxicity.

Company is now offering surface treatment to all mica products, which reportedly offer further improvement in strength because of better filler/matrix bonding.

KAOPOLITE INC.

Offers the following products:

*Kaopolite anhydrous aluminum silicates are available in a wide range of particle sizes. Surface-treated grades are also offered. Products are used as anti-blocking agents.

*Siltex fused silica reportedly has outstanding electrical properties.

*Magotex fused magnesium oxide is said to improve thermal conductivity.

*Ferrosil-14 ferroaluminum silicate improves abrasion resistance.

*Aciculite acicular aluminum silicate has a high aspect ratio.

*Fiberkal fibrous calcined kaolin is available in a wide range of chopped sizes.

LUNDY TECHNICAL CENTER DIV.

TRANS TECHNOLOGY CORP.

Offers Romhoglas, a thermal and electrically conductive aluminum-coated glass fiber. It's available as rovings of various sizes, woven fabric, milled fiber and nonwoven conductive mat.

MALVERN MINERALS CO.

Novacite silica products are a type of quartz having an average particle size of 3-7 microns. This natural microform differs from other silicas in its low sorptive properties and low abrasiveness. It is used as an extender/filler in silicone rubber, various thermosets, engineering thermoplastics, and powder coatings.

Novakup is a family of surface-modified particulate silica reinforcements, which can be treated with silanes, titanates, sulfonyl azides, or glass resins.

Other surface-modified inorganic extenders, pigments and fillers offered are Trikup alumina trihydrate. Monykup antimony oxide, Titankup titanium dioxide, Wollastokup wollastonite, Carbokup calcium carbonate, Silikup silica, and Klakup aluminum silicate.

MANVILLE SALES CORP.

SUB. MANVILLE CORP.

Supplies Celite diatomaceous silica and Micro-Cel synthetic hydrous calcium silicate. Both can be used as functional fillers, processing aids, flatting agents, and antiblocking agents.

THE R.J. MARSHALL CO.

Offers ATH, calcium sulphate, gypsum, calcium carbonate, and light-weight fillers. Products are available separately or in combination with guarateed properties such as viscosity, gel time, and color. Special-effect fillers are also available for cast-polymer products or polymer-concrete products.

THE MILWHITE CO., INC.

Company's mineral fillers/extenders include celestite, barytes, hydrated alumina, calcium carbonate, attapulgite clay, mica, and microsilica.

Its celestite is a high-specific-gravity filler said to have excellent loading characteristics. Product can be used for sound abatement, acid resistance, and in foams and plastics where weighting properties are needed. Barytes, available from several locations, are both white and off-white. Custom-designed products are available.

MINERAL INDUSTRIAL COMMODITIES

OF AMERICA INC.

Micawhite and Polymica, grades of white muscovite mica are available both treated and untreated. Company's mica reportedly provides good color development, stiffness, excellent long-term heat aging with very low abrasivity, while being suitable for food contact.

THE MONTANA TALC CO.

Produces four distinct lines of ground talc products for use in the plastics industry. The grinds in each product line range from a relatively coarse 200 mesh used as an economical functional filler to superfine products with a 1.0 to 1.5 median particle size used as reinforcing additives. The product lines are described below:

*Nicron products - for applications requiring high, dry brightness and exceptional quality.

*Silverline products - for applications requiring 75-86 dry brightness and rock bottom RMC.

*Steriline products - for all USP, cosmetic, food and medical applications. Certified to meet USP VI, CTFA, and food codex specifications as well as English, French, and German pharmacopoeia specifications.

*"JS" products - controlled top and bottom particle size distributions unique to the industry. For applications that must have maximum loadings for economy, but still meet high performance standards.

NYCO MINERALS INC.

Wollastonite is a naturally occurring nonmetallic calcium metasilicate, [CaSiO.sub.3]. It's said to be the only pure white, wholly acicular mineral that is commercially available. Length-to-diameter aspect ratios typically range from 3:1 to 20:1. Wollastonite products are either ball/pebble milled to mesh size, or typically retaining a 5:1 or less aspect ratio, attrition milled to retain a high aspect ratio closer to 20:1.

Wollastokup, chemically surface-modified wollastonites, help lower viscosities and raise loadings, aid dispersion, and improve physical and electrical properties even after exposure to moisture. Specific particle sizes and aspect ratios of the series are available, tailored to improve properties such as impact and modulus. Surface modifiers currently offered include: titanates, sulfonyl azide, ester-based wetting agents, and proprietary coatings. Special dual surface modifications in varying balances can provide functional reactivity with the matrix resin and processing of the composite.

Company's products are used in nylon, polyesters, urethanes, thermoplastic polyester, polysulfone, PP, PE, phenolics, epoxies, fluoropolymer elastomers, and silicone rubber, as well as partial replacements of glass and minerals such as asbestos.

OMYA, INC.

Supplies dry- and wet-ground calcium carbonate. Wet-ground Omyacarb comes in fine and ultrafine grades, with or without surface treatment. It's a high-purity, high brightness grade used in rigid and flexible PVC siding, pipe, profile, calendered and wire and cable compounds, polyolefin film and injection molding. Dry-ground material, ranging from 5 to 20 microns in mean diameter, is offered for plasticized PVC, elastomers, epoxies, polyurethanes, and polyester applications. Omyacarb dry-ground calcium carbonates are produced in California for markets west of the Rockies.

OYSTER SHELL PRODUCTS DIV.

DRAVE NATURAL RESOURCES CO.

Offers ground and fractionated mollusk shells, trademarked SF-4, 97.5% calcium carbonate by weight. Product is a general-purpose filler that is said to disperse well in plastics and impart smoothness to calendered and extruded products with less property loss than with other fillers of comparable size.

PMS CONSOLIDATED

Specialty additive concentrates, in either solid or liquid form, and with or without colorants, are available containing fillers, anitoxidants, uv stabilizers, silicones, blowing agents, fire retardants, slip agents or antistats.

Company has production and laboratory facilities at 10 locations in the U.S. and Puerto Rico.

PPG INDUSTRIES INC.

CHEMICALS GROUP

Offers Hi-Sil ultrafine precipitated silicas that are used as reinforcing fillers in plastics.

THE PQ CORP.

Q-Cel hollow microspheres are fine, inorganic spherical particles developed as a low-density filler/extender for thermosetting plastics. These microspheres can be used in polyurethanes, plastisols, polyester casting, spray-up, SMC and BMC compositions, and syntactic foams. They are said to reduce part cost and/or weight, and to improve structural and performance properties. Applications include simulated-wood furniture parts, boat construction, synthetic marble, body putties, adhesives, sealants, bowling ball cores, SMC and FRP panels, and composites. Both glass and ceramic microspheres are offered in a range of particle sizes and densities and with a variety of metallic or organic coatings.

Facility in Chattanooga, Tenn., offers surface-modified hollow ceramic microspheres. Patented surface-modification technology is trademarked Bubblekup. Extendospheres Bubblekup come in three grades from 57- to 100-micron average particle size and 0.7 specific gravity. XOL-200 Bubblekup, with 100-micron average size and 0.24 density, is used for liquid resin systems.

P.S.H. INDUSTRIES, INC.

Epoxical Core Fill is an expanded shale aggregate designed as a lightweight filler for glass-reinforced epoxy laminates and low-density cores for foundry patterns and plastic tooling, including thermoforming models and molds. Core Fill is available in two sizes and densities; the smaller particles have a bulk density of 8 lb/cu ft; the larger (random oval size of 1/4- to 1/2-in.), 40 lb/cu ft.

PATENTECH CORP.

R&D company specializing in custom-engineered, multicomponent reinforcement and filler systems for compounds, fire-retardant and acoustical materials, and for processing technology and end-product development. Proprietary materials and technology may be licensed or marketed through joint-venture companies.

Micro-Mix is described as a scientifically engineered filler system consisting of specific proportions of rods, flakes, spheres and irregular particles. It is a dry blend formulated for high loadings without sacrificing physical properties in polyesters, vinyl esters, epoxies and thermoplastics. Loading reportedly may be 60-80% by volume. Sprayed compounds are said to need no rollout. Different systems provide varying degrees of strength, density reduction and flame retardancy. Micro-Mix reportedly offers improved physical advantages and savings in applications such as gelcoat back-up, sandwich cores, coatings, tooling and casting compounds. It can be poured, sprayed, extruded or injection molded.

PFIZER, INC.

Offers a full line of mineral fillers, including fine-ground limestones, precipitated calcium carbonates, talcs and a line of surface-treated calcium carbonates of varying particle sizes. Hi-Pflex 100, Super-Pflex 200 and Ultraflex are surface-treated calcium carbonates for filling and reinforcing PVC, PP, PS, PE and other resin systems.

A line of surface-treated talcs is also offered: Microtuff 1000 is designed for polyolefin reinforcement, MicroPflex 1200 for nylons, and Microtuff-F for FDA-approved applications.

ABT2500 and Microbloc, antiblock talcs for polyolefin films are also available.

PLAS-COM, INC.

Offers a line of specialized mineral and mineral/glass combination fillers in concentrate form for a variety of resins.

PLASTIC FILLER SALES, INC.

Produces various grinds of calcium sulfate, alumina trihydrate, and calcium carbonate to be used as fillers. They are available in 50 lb bags, bulk bags, and in bulk truckloads. Custom blends are available.

POLAR MINERALS

New supplier provides premium grades of highly pure, low-iron, platy talcs and high-purity calcium carbonates. These are based on domestic processing of imported ores. Automotive markets are a key focus of the company. Rigorous SPC/SQC programs reportedly ensure consistency of product.

POLYPRODUCTS CORP.

Supplies a broad range of fillers for epoxy and polyester systems, including fumed silica, talc, hollow glass spheres, nutshell flour, ceramic pellets and finely divided metal powders (copper, lead, aluminum, brass, tin and bronze).

POTTERS INDUSTRIES INC.

Offers solid and hollow glass spheres as engineering functional additives said to improve processing and flow, lower cost, and to produce isotropic, dimensionally stable molded parts. Maximum bonding with resin is obtained and properties are improved with coupling agents. Spheres aid dispersion and reduce orientation of fibers in glass-fiber compounds. Silver-coated spheres are also available for electrical and EMI shielding applications.

RALSTON-PURINA CO.

Poly-Soy is an organic reactive extender for polyesters, PU, PVC and epoxy resins. True density is the same as most resins (1.2), thereby yielding homogeneous blends without the need for thickeners. Gel time and exotherm are said to be reduced substantially by the addition of Poly-Soy. Flame retardancy is also said to be improved, especially in PU. Product is derived from soybeans and is readily available. Current mesh sizes are -20/+60, -60, and -100. Extension up to 40% reportedly is possible.

READE ADVANCED MATERIALS

Offers advanced metal, ceramic, and intermetallic particulate fillers and reinforcements for high-performance applications. Products can be made almost 100% pure, and in sizes down to 100 angstroms (nominal). Surface and chemically modified fillers, fibers, whiskers, microspheres (monoclinic and stabilized), conductive additives, borides, carbides, and nitrides are offered. EDI and secure communications are available.

REYNOLDS METALS CO.

A complete line of atomized and flake aluminum powders, both regular and dedusted, are available for use as fillers in a wide range of products. The powders are said to improve physical properties and machining characteristics.

H.M. ROYAL, INC.

Company distributes a wide line of fillers, including calcium carbonate, alumina, clays, amorphous silica, talc and mica. Products used in plastics include the following:

*Hydrophilic and hydrophobic grades of fumed silica.

*Airfloated, waterground, and ultra-fine precipitated, surface-treated calcium carbonates.

*Fine-particle talcs in a range of light-to-dark shades including extremely white, fine-particle platy talc for modulus improvement and reinforcement.

*Patented, narrow-particle-range precipitated calcium carbonate (0.1-micron average size).

*Flame-retardant fillers, including antimony oxide for use in halogenated systems and magnesium hydroxide for flame and smoke suppressant in both halogenated and nonhalogenated systems.

New products include filler-coated microspheres at 0.12 specific gravity for light weight; and micronized fillers, both talc and calcium carbonate under one micron with very close top particle cuts, specifically designed for engineered plastics and use in fibers.

SCM CHEMICALS INC.

Offers an amorphous, fine-particle silica gel called Silcron that is supplied in a variety of grades. Silcron performs as a thixotropic agent, and a flatting agent, in addition to preserving clarity and smoothness of finish. It is useful in improving the dispersion of pigments; in moisture control; in eliminating blocking and plate-out; in providing better mar resistance or better pencil and ink receptivity; and in ensuring a smoother, uninterrupted flow of dry powders. The product is a nontoxic, chemically inert powder averaging 4 to 8 microns in size. It can be dry-blended with resin or pigment powders, compounded into resin melts, or incorporated into a master batch or concentrate. Silcron is compatible with a wide range of thermoplastic resins.

ST. LAWRENCE STARCH CO., LTD.

Ecostar is a hydrophobic starch used to provide matte finishing in PVC plastisol applications. It is also used as a biodegradation enhancer in extruded polyolefin applications and reportedly provides low-gloss finish and excellent antiblock properties in extruded film.

SEEGOTT INC.

Offers a range of fillers, including diatomaceous silica, synthetic hydrous calcium silicate, calcium carbonates, talcs, surface-treated calcium carbonates and talcs, plus a complete line of aluminum flake and atomized powders for use as fillers.

SHAMOKIN FILLER CO. INC.

Carbo-O-Fil is a low-cost, black, inert carbon filler ground from coal, with a specific gravity of 1.47. It reportedly disperses readily and is used in PS, phenolics, uerthane coatings, polyesters, etc.

SHERWOOD DIVERSIFIED INC.

Supplies alumina trihydrate, calcium carbonate, and talc fillers for a wide variety of plastics applications. Company will tailor products to customers' needs. Services include custom blending, custom coating of fillers with stearates, and matching particle size ranges.

SILBRICO CORP.

Sil-Cell is a low-density, hollow inert filler, which displaces up to six times its weight in resin and can be used to replace up to 40% of the resin in a compound. This cellular mineral filler has an average particle size of 45-75 microns, is typically used in epoxies, polyester cultured marble, FRP tub/shower enclosures, decorative plaques, joint compounds, and furniture parts, and can be pumped and sprayed in liquid resin systems. Sil-Cell is available with various surface treatments to control viscosities.

SLOSS INDUSTRIES CORP.

Produces a line of processed mineral fibers known as PMF Fiber. These glass-like fibers, available in plain and surface-treated, are produced from mineral wool and have an average fiber length of 200 microns and an average diameter of 5 microns. They are fillers and reinforcers for thermoset and thermoplastic compounds as well as for adhesives, caulks, and sealants, and are said to be excellent for use in friction materials. They reportedly have very high heat resistance, low thermal conductivity, and a low rate of thermal expansion and contraction.

SOLEM INDUSTRIES

DIV. J.M. HUBER CORP.

Manufactures a broad line of standard and surface-treated hydrated alumina fillers. The Micral series of mechanically produced ultrafine hydrated alumina replaces precipitated ATH in most applications. The extremely fine particle distributions of the Micral products are said to provide a high degree of active surface area for enhanced flame retardance, excellent surface profile, and high physical properties.

Company's custom-engineered ATH products are recommended for thermoset polyester, polyolefins, PVC, urethane, epoxy, phenolic, and rubber. Blends of hydrated alumina and calcium carbonate are also offered for certain thermoset polyester applications.

SOUTHERN CLAY PRODUCTS

SUB. ECC AMERICA

Supplies a wide range of bentonites, talc, antisagging/setting agents, gelling agents, thickeners, and suspension agents.

STEEP ROCK RESOURCES, INC.

Offers its "Snowhite" high-purity, dry-ground calcium carbonates. Packing ratios and tightly controlled particle-size distribution reportedly allow optimized filler levels.

SUZORITE MICA

SUB. CORONA CORP.

Suzorite brand mica is described as an inexpensive reinforcing agent and extender that improves physical properties and reduces manufacturing costs of many thermoplastic and thermoset composites. It is used in production of automotive components, appliances, boats, pipe, bathroom fixtures, tanks, acoustical equipment, and many other plastic products.

Suzorite mica reportedly gives good flexural strength, heat-distortion resistance, high modulus of elasticity, and resistance to weathering, corrosion, high temperatures, warping, and electricity. It is available in grades ranging from fine powders to highly delaminated and coated flake and can be injection molded, sprayed, and rolled. Surface-treated grades are available under the trademark Suzorex.

Suzorite E-Mica is an electroconductive mica produced by the plating of mica flakes with pure nickel. Plastic composites containing this mica grade are said to offer effective EMI shielding, low density, good processability, and a smooth surface that can be painted without further processing. Product is also said to increase flexural strength, improve heat-distortion temperature and resistance to warpage in composites because of its high-aspect-ratio flakes.

TAC INDUSTRIES, INC.

See Franklin Limestone Co.

3M CO.

CONSUMER SPECIALTIES DIV.

Offers hollow microscopic glass spheres with an average particle size under 70 microns. Density, strength, packing fraction, particle size, and percent of floaters are controlled so that products can be used in many forms of plastics. Scotchlite Glass Bubbles reportedly allow the user to design a compound or composite for best cost, weight, texture, shrinkage, sanding time, and freight. Applications include autobody putty, automotive plastisols, urethane foam, polyester SMC, BMC, spray-up, and hand lay-up.

TRANSMET CORP.

Aluminum flakes and fibers are supplied for plastics applications requiring electrical and/or thermal conductivity. The flakes can be used in all thermoplastics and thermosets. Applications include EMI shielding, electrostatic dissipation, and heat dissipation.

UNIMIN CORP.

Mines and processes silica, high-purity quartz, nepheline syenite and mica. Whole grain and ground silica are offered for polyester and epoxy systems. Quartz is suited to applications requiring a minimal coefficient of expansion and ultra-low level of contaminants. High-quality muscovite mica is appropriate for thermosets and thermoplastic applications in which color is important.

Nepheline is used in polyester gel coasts to fill, but still maintain color clarity. In bulk molding compound for patio furniture or microwave cookware, resistance to staining is a strong benefit. Suitable for vinyls where clarity is important.

UNITED STATES GYPSUM CO.

INDUSTRIAL GYPSUM DIV.

Anhydrous calcium sulfate is available in two particle sizes: Snow White Filler (8-micron average) and CA-5 (2-micron average). Snow White Filler is used in PVC, PVC plastisols, PP and polycarbonate, and is said to be particularly useful when product stability, high loading and white color are needed. CA-5 has been used in high-loading systems such as polyester SMC and BMC, PVC pipe, conduit and siding. The smaller size of CA-5 is said to increase dispersion and even distribution throughout the resin for a stronger product.

Both fillers can be used to extend rigid and flexible thermoplastics, and reinforced and unreinforced thermosets. They are relatively soft (2.5 to 3.0 Mohs scale), which results in reduced equipment wear, and are very white in color (averaging 98 on the Beckman scale).

Company also produces a calcium sulfate microfiber called Franklin Fiber Filler. It is available in two forms: hemihydrate (H-30) and anhydrous (A-30). It is used primarily as a reinforcement in thermoset and thermoplastic systems such as polyester, epoxies, phenolics, urethanes and polyolefins, and as an asbestos replacement for some plastic and coating applications.

The filler is said to offer excellent color dimensional stability and surface qualities. In polyester spray-up systems such as shower stall and spa, H-30 form offers blister resistance in boiling water, reportedly because of its exceptional ability to rehydrate.

Company's CAS-20-4, an anhydrous calcium sulfate, is an extremely white and finely divided particulate filler. It is manufactured by controlled calcination, fine grinding and air separation, using high purity gypsum rock. The calcination process drastically reduces its moisture affinity.

As a filler, CAS-20-4 is recommended for thermoplastics, thermosets and plastisol systems. It is approved for food packaging applications due to its high purity and food acid resistance and is said to be ideal for plastics systems requiring high filler loadings and balanced physical properties.

As an extender, it can partially replace titanium dioxide in plastics systems, color concentrates, solvent-based coatings and ink systems because of its reportedly high brightness and excellent ink receptivity. CAS-20-4 is nonabrasive to processing equipment.

U.S. SILICA CO.

Produces the following:

*Min-u-Sil - micronized silica from 5 to 40 micron top size.

*Sil-co-Sil - ground silica from 40 to 125 micron top size.

*Snow(*) Tex - calcined kaolin clay.

Also produces functional extenders to enhance physical properties of many polymer systems.

R.T. VANDERBILT CO. INC.

Offers from its mines a wide variety of inorganic fillers for plastics. Nytal talcs are offered in five grades with average particle sizes of 2.3 to 38 microns.

Wollastonite is a needle-shaped form of calcium silicate for use in polyesters. Three Vansil grades are offered: Vansil W-10 (2% retained on 200 mesh), Vansil W-20 (2% retained on 325 mesh) and Vansil W-30 (0.06% retained on 325 mesh).

Two clay product lines in different particle sizes are Dixie Clay (0.2-micron average) and McNamee Clay (2-micron average).

Company also offers Canadian-mined platy talc for the talc-filled polypropylene market. Particle size ranges from median 2.2 to 13 microns.

JIM WALTER RESOURCES INC.

PMF Fiber 204 is a single-strand, glassy fiber produced by a patented process which yields fibers having an average diameter of 5 microns and an average length of 200 microns. Single fibers have an average tensile strength of 70,000 psi, modulus of elasticity of 1.5 million psi, and specific gravity of 2.7. Products are used in both thermoset and thermoplastic polymers.

PMF Fiberwear is fibrous calcium silicate available in three sizes: granulated (90% passes 3/8-in. screen), coarseground (90% passes 3/16-in. screen), and refined (90% passes 3/32-in. screen).

WASHINGTON PENN PLASTIC CO.

Filler concentrates are supplied for PP, PE, and PS.

WHITTAKER, CLARK & DANIELS, INC.

Line of fillers and functional pigments includes clays (water-ground kaolins and bentonites), mica (muscovite and biotite), barytes (natural white and off-white grades), calcium sulphate, calcium carbonate, and the Polytal series of platy talcs designed specifically for polyolefins.

WILNER WOOD PRODUCTS CO.

Wood flour produced from hammermill grinding is a low-cost filler said to give good electrical properties and high-impact resistance in many thermosetting resins. Special surface effects and reinforcing characteristics are reportedly achievable. High loadings of wood flour are common in such products as toilet seats, school furniture, salad bowls, etc. Wood flour is now being used extensively in thermoplastics.

WITCO CORP.

INORGANIC SPECIALTIES DIV.

Micro-Ken 801 is a flux-calcined diatomaceous earth used as an antiblocking agent in polyethylene and certain copolymer films.

ZEELAN INDUSTRIES

Company produces Zeeospheres, thick-walled, high-compressive-strength, hollow ceramic microspheres used as specialty extenders in such thermoset and thermoplastic systems as SMC, BMC, RIM, RTM, compression molding, injection molding, extrusion, and potting and casting applications. They are available in a variety of particle size ranges, including grades fine enough for use as antiblocking agents for films and other applications requiring very small and carefully controlled particle sizes.

Products are said to contribute to high filler loadings, to increase flow, improve surface finish and hardness, reduce shrinkage and warpage, lower costs, and reduce cycle times. With a density 20-50% less than conventional fillers, they are reported to reduce weight significantly in filled systems.

Company also produces Z-Light Spheres, low-density, hollow ceramic microspheres with moderate strength (4000-6000 psi compressive strength), low density (0.6-0.7), and white color.

The spheres are said to lower density and to enhance performance of caulks, spackles, cultured marble, SMC, and BMC. They can also be used in syntactic foams, marine construction materials, engineering and aerospace composites, and lightweight molded parts.