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The actual trend in composites industry is to use modified polymers as matrix to form materials and structures with better properties. In this regard this study is oriented toward finding ways to improve polymer properties based on natural tendency of starch to create its own structure when is dispersed into a liquid phase. A bi-component epoxy system was used to form particulate composites with various starch concentrations. Physical and mechanical properties of formed materials were investigated using appropriate methods to identify the maximum amount of starch to be added without changing the basic properties of epoxy matrix. The results are encouraging further studies regarding the possibility to use starch as primary dispersion in pre-polymer mixture in order to ensure better dispersions for powders which generally tend to aggregate. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

It is well known that the quality of a composite depends not only in its components quality but also in forming technology. Regarding particulate polymer composites the mentioned dependence is stronger. This study is about how the filler's dispersion into the matrix is influencing the basic properties of filled composites. In the case of moulded thermosetting based composites three ways to disperse the powders into the matrix are available leading, probably, to different final properties. In this study the epoxy system EPIPHEN RE 4020 - DE 4020 was used as matrix and Starch, Clay, Talc, CNT, Aluminium titanate, Lithium titanate as fillers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

One of the most important objectives of scientific research in actual world is to obtain multifunctional materials. It is our concern that using various filler on various polymer layers of a polymer composite is possible to obtain controlled properties of formed materials. Generally when large amounts of powders are used to fill epoxy resin their particles are aggregating leading to clusters which change the mechanical properties. The question is how to obtain uniform dispersions of active filler's particles (such as CNT or Ferrite). This study was carried out taking into account the clay behavior when is dispersed in epoxy in order to use the filled polymer to form reinforced composites. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]