What is the primary role of fillers in polymer manufacturing?

Fillers play a significant role in polymer manufacturing by improving the mechanical properties of the end product. When incorporated into a polymer matrix, fillers can enhance strength, stiffness, and impact resistance. This is crucial for applications where durability and performance are essential. By altering the internal structure of the polymer, fillers can distribute stress more evenly throughout the material, thereby preventing failure under load and ultimately extending the material's lifespan.

While reducing production costs is indeed a benefit of using fillers, this is primarily a secondary effect rather than the main purpose. Fillers can also achieve certain visual effects, like changing the color of the polymer, but this is not their primary function. Additionally, while some fillers may have conductive properties, the main intent in their use is to enhance mechanical characteristics rather than solely focus on thermal conductivity. Therefore, improving mechanical properties serves as the foundational reason for incorporating fillers into polymer formulations.