Process for manufacturing coated filler particle

Abstract

The invention pertains to filler modified with functional particles in a high energy dry-blending process through collisions of sufficient energy to bound, adhere, or otherwise associate the pigment particles to the filler.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A modified filler particle comprising a filler particle modified with discrete functional particles that are sufficiently bound, adhered, or otherwise associated to the filler such that they are able to remain associated during subsequent manufacturing steps. 
     
     
         2 . The modified filler particle of  claim 1  wherein the discreet functional particles are pigment particles. 
     
     
         3 . The modified filler particle of  claim 2  wherein the particle size distribution for the filler is in a range from 0.1 microns to 100 microns. 
     
     
         4 . The modified filler particle of  claim 2  wherein the particle size distribution for the pigment particles is from 0.005 microns to 4 microns. 
     
     
         5 . The modified filler particle of  claim 2  wherein the particle size distribution for the pigment particles is from 0.1 to 3 microns. 
     
     
         6 . The modified filler particle of  claim 2  wherein the particle size distribution for the filler is in a range from 10 to 50 microns and the particle size distribution for the pigment particles is in a range from 0.01 to 3 microns. 
     
     
         7 . The modified filler particle of  claim 1  wherein the filler particle is modified with discrete functional particles that impart an energy absorption function, the discrete functional particles selected from the group consisting of
 a) UV absorption modifiers, 
 b) IR absorption modifiers, 
 c) radiofrequency wave absorption modifiers, 
 d) fluorescent response modifiers, 
 e) phosphorescent response modifiers, 
 f) thermochromism modifiers, 
 g) phase-change modifiers, or 
 h) any combination thereof. 
 
     
     
         8 . The modified filler particle of  claim 1  wherein the filler particle is modified with discrete functional particles that impart a mechanical property function, the discrete functional particles selected from the group consisting of
 a) surface hardness modifiers, 
 b) lubricity modifiers, 
 c) strength modifiers, 
 d) toughness modifiers, 
 e) impact resistance modifiers, 
 f) scratch resistance modifiers, 
 g) mar resistance modifiers, or 
 h) any combination thereof. 
 
     
     
         9 . The modified filler particle of  claim 1  wherein the filler particle is modified with discrete functional particles that modify the surface of the filler particle, the discrete functional particles selected from the group consisting of
 a) stain resistance modifiers, 
 b) lubricity modifiers, 
 c) adhesion modifiers of filler to surrounding medium, 
 d) absorbability modifiers, 
 e) flame retardants, 
 f) antimicrobial agents, 
 g) modifiers of self-cleanability 
 h) modifiers of self-healing of a polymeric matrix comprising the modified filler particle, 
 i) acidity or alkalinity modifiers, 
 j) modifiers of electrical characteristics, 
 k) modifiers of magnetic properties, or 
 l) any combination thereof. 
 
     
     
         10 . The modified filler particle of  claim 1  wherein the filler particle is modified with discrete functional particles that impart a fluid characteristics change to a medium when the modified filler particle is added to said medium, the discrete functional particles selected from the group consisting of
 a) surface tension modifiers, 
 b) rheology modifiers, 
 c) modifiers of the agglomeration state of the modified filler particle, 
 d) modifiers of the packing efficiency of the modified filler particle, 
 e) compatibilizers, 
 f) dispersants, or 
 g) any combination thereof.