Particulate fillers in polymers continue to play a very important role and a book provides a guide to the fundamentals and has a chapter covering the latest developments in nano-filler technology.

The use of particulate fillers in polymers has a long history, and they continue to play a very important role today. The aim of Rapra's new Handbook, Particulate-filled Polymer Composites, Second Edition, is to provide a guide to the fundamentals of the use of particulate fillers, which is accessible to people from the many different industries and disciplines who have an interest in the subject. In the relatively short time since the publication of the first edition in 1995, much has changed and all the chapters have been updated and revised, and a completely new chapter covering the latest developments in nano-filler technology is included.

Particulate-filled Polymer Composites begins by considering the selection and use of particulate fillers, including factors such as cost, purity, particle size and shape, and density.

This is followed by discussion of the different types of particulate filler, the characterisation of filler surfaces and their modification.

The current practices for preparing particulate filled polymers are described, as are characterisation of the compounds and the relationship between compounding route and material properties.

The use of particulate fillers in specific classes of polymers (elastomers, thermoplastics, and thermosets) is described.

Effects of other additives, the properties of the filler, and the performance, processing and application of the filled polymer are considered.

The author, Roger Rothon, is now an independent consultant, specialising in the production, surface modification and application of particulate fillers for polymer composites.

He previously worked for ICI for over 25 years, where he was responsible for several new product developments, including new types of coupling agents for silica and calcium carbonates and novel conductive and magnetic fillers.

After leaving ICI, he was Technical Manager for Flamemag International, where he led the development of a new process for the production of magnesium hydroxide flame retardant fillers.

In 1996 he was made a visiting Professor at the Manchester Metropolitan University, where he is now involved in research on filler surface modifiers.