resonance acoustic mixing (ram) in fabrication of thermoplastic micro/nanocomposites: on solid-state dispersion

Dispersion state of nano or micro-metric fillers into polymer matrices has been at the focus of interest and, however, a challenge for researchers in the development of micro/nanocomposites. small size of fillers giving extreme surface interaction leads to the agglomeration of reinforcements and, thus, lowered mechanical/physical properties of fabricated parts. besides regular dispersion techniques, we here introduce the use the resonance acoustic mixing (ram) method to create initial dispersion of fillers in a solid state. serval thermoplastic polymers types mixed with carbon black (cb) and graphite nano platelets (gnp) were used and the efficacy of the method was examined with respect to the overall tensile properties achieved. the results indicated the glass transition of polymer granules, resonance time and thermal properties of polymers first and above other factors dictate the dispersion state and thus the mechanical performance of composites.