Abstract
The results from the development of a novel coupling agent technology, which should very soon be launched commercially, will be described. The presentation will particularly focus on the performance of the technology in ATH filled EVA systems, and its benefits over existing coupling agent technologies. In particular a rheological profile, giving the potential for lower energy consumption and/or higher processing speeds, can be demonstrated without any significant diminution in the material properties that would be obtained using conventional coupling agents. Other properties related to the fire resistance and electrical stability will be reviewed, and the processing conditions and formulation modifications required to optimise this performance will also be discussed. Other applications for this coupling technology, including calcium carbonate filled EVA systems and hopefully calcium carbonate filled EPDM rubbers and/or PP homopolymer, will be covered in less detail, but should give some indication of the potential scope of the technology.