Characterization of zeolites as potential new generation fillers in abrasive articles. Physicochemical properties of zeolites and their interactions with resins

Zeolites were studied regarding their potential use as fillers in abrasive articles. Activity of the zeolites surface was expressed by the value of the dispersive component of the free surface energy, gamma(D)(S). gamma(D)(S) parameter was determined by means of inverse gas chromatography, IGC. IGC was also used to express acid-base properties of zeolites described by K-A and K-D parameters. Thermodesorption method was applied to determine the type of the pores on the surface of the studied materials. BET method was also used to characterize porosity of zeolites and to determine the surface area. Interactions of zeolites with resins that are used as wetting agent (resol) and binder (novolac) were estimated. Examined zeolites were found to be active materials, sensitive to humidity and with very complicated structure, giving homogeneous composite with resins used for production of abrasive articles. Presented results show that zeolites can be used as high quality fillers in abrasive articles. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.