A Review of the Performance of Functionalized Waxes as a Compatibilizer and Co-Compatibilizer in Polymer Composites

Abstract

Demand for the use of polymers in different industries with different properties is increasing. However, pure polymer does not have the ability to create a wide range of desired features. To solve this problem, various additives are used, many of which are minerals. The polar nature of these additives has made them impossible to use in non-polar polymers, such as polyolefins, due to the incompatibility and poor interface adhesion. Various methods are used to increase compatibility, one of which is the use of compatibilizers. Functionalized waxes are among the materials that researchers have studied over the years. The backbone of functional waxes is miscible with a polymer, and the functional groups on the wax surface can interact with the groups present on the additive surface. Therefore, their use improves the dispersion and distribution of additive particles in the polymer. Also, due to their low molecular weight, these waxes can penetrate the pores and capillaries on the additive surface and act as a successful co-compatibilizer. In this study, first, the methods of increasing compatibility and the cases used for this purpose are briefly reviewed. Then, the performance of functionalized waxes as a compatibilizer and co-compatibilizer and their effect on the physical, mechanical, and thermal properties of the polymer composites are investigated in details.

Keywords

• polymeric composite
• interface
• compatibilizer
• co-compatibilizer
• functionalized wax