A novel colored talc filler: Preparation and surface property determination using two distinct methods

• A novel colored talc filler was prepared for the masterbatch industry.
• Its surface properties were studied by IGC and contact angle measurement.
• The significantly lower γST value enables it a better dispersion in polymer matrix.
• The surface energy parameters were calculated in combination with MATLAB function.

A better understanding of filler's surface properties is critical for determining the most effective polymer reinforcement fillers. In this work, a colored talc filler (CTF) was prepared and its surface properties were comparatively studied to those of talc filler (TF), using inverse gas chromatography (IGC) and contact angle methods—Owens–Wendt–Kaelble (OWK), van Oss–Chaudhury–Good (vOCG) and Wu. The results indicated that the dispersive component (γSD) for both samples contributed a major part (68–81%) of the total surface energy (γST), and displayed a decreasing trend with increasing surface coverage, meaning the fairly energetic surface heterogeneity for them. The γSD values determined by the contact angle methods were consistent, although lower than those using IGC analysis. The specific component (γSSP) calculated by the contact angle methods were also consistent and lower than those calculated using IGC. The specific Gibbs free energies of adsorption (ΔGsp) changed with surface coverages, further confirming the heterogeneous nature of both samples. The significantly lower γST value for CTF could reduce filler particle-particle interactions, allowing a better dispersion in matrix, and thus lead to an improvement in mechanical performance of CTF/polymer composite.