The unique and excellent properties of barium sulfate make it widely used as a new functional modifier in plastics. Barium sulfate improves chemical resistance, heat resistance, and enhances the appearance of plastic products. It is used in PP, ABS, PA, PET resins for household shells, mechanical parts, auto parts, air conditioner panels, etc. Barium sulfate increases plastic density, enhances wear and aging resistance, and improves gloss, expanding plastic applications. Modified barium sulfate offers these eight advantages in the plastics industry:
1. Cost Reduction
Fillers are cheaper than resins. Adding fillers significantly reduces plastic cost, bringing clear economic benefits.
This is a key reason filler modification is widely used in plastics.
2. Improved Heat Resistance
Plastics usually have low heat resistance. For example, ABS can only withstand about 60°C long-term. Most fillers are inorganic and heat-resistant. Adding them can significantly improve plastic heat resistance. For instance, pure PP has a heat distortion temperature of about 110°C.
When filled with 30% talcum powder, the temperature rises to over 130°C.
3. Improved Plastic Rigidity
Plastic rigidity is often low. Pure PP has a flexural modulus of about 1000 MPa, not enough for some uses. Adding 30% talcum powder raises the modulus to over 2000 MPa, showing a strong stiffening effect.
4. Improved Molding and Processing
Some fillers, like barium sulfate and glass microspheres, improve resin flow and processing performance.
5. Better Dimensional Stability
Crystalline plastics often shrink and deform after molding. Fillers reduce shrinkage and enhance product dimensional stability.
6. Increased Surface Hardness
Plastics are usually soft and prone to scratches, affecting appearance. Inorganic fillers are harder and can greatly increase surface hardness.
7. Enhanced Plastic Strength
Common plastics have low tensile strength. Adding inorganic fillers in proper amounts improves tensile and bending strength, enhancing engineering applications.
8. Higher Added Value of Plastic Products
Some fillers add special functions. For example, talc or calcium carbonate in PP improves antistatic and printing properties. Glass microspheres improve insulation. Metal particles enhance thermal and electrical conductivity.
Epic Powder Machinery is a leading manufacturer of powder processing equipment, specializing in jet mills, classifiers, and surface modification systems. With decades of experience and advanced European technology, we provide customized solutions for high-performance materials like modified barium sulfate. Contact us to explore how we can support your production needs.
