Dear Colleagues,

We are pleased to invite you to contribute to the Section �Microscale fillers�.

Microscale fillers are tiny fibers or particles that are incorporated into material to increase performance of material and used in numerous industries and applications to improve the properties of materials. These fillers are in the size range of micrometers or sub-micrometers and are reinforced to a matrix material to enhance its thermal, mechanical, electrical, or optical characteristics. The micro scale filler reinforced composites always offer higher stiffness and  strength but, undergo brittle fracture without having much energy absorbing capability.

Microscale fillers are composed of various materials such as polymers, metals ceramics, carbon-based materials and composites. They are commonly  added to coatings, adhesives, polymers and composites to modify their properties[2].  Moreover, microscale fillers find its applications in the development of advanced materials, including conductive inks, catalysts, sensors and biomedical materials. In polymer composites, microscale fillers can improve stiffness, mechanical strength and toughness. They enhance the material's resistance to wear, impact, and fatigue, making it suitable for applications in automotive, aerospace and construction industries.

Microscale fillers also help to control the dimensional stability and minimize shrinkage during processing. In coatings and adhesives, microscale fillers can enhance the material's barrier properties, corrosion resistance, and adhesion strength. Surfactant can also be used as microfillers as they stabilize colloidal suspensions and emulsions by decreasing interfacial tension between two immiscible phases. By making a protective layer around particles, surfactants can prevent agglomeration or coalescence, improving the uniformity and stability of the system[3]. They can also provide functionalities such as UV protection, flame retardancy, and antimicrobial properties. Overall, microscale fillers play a vital role in material science and engineering, allowing the customization and optimization of various materials for enhanced performance and functionality

We look forward to receiving your contributions.

Leading Section Editor:

Prof.  S. Sakhawat Shah

Support Section Editors:

Dr. Muhammad Junaid Iqbal Khan

Dr. Hamed Nazarpour-Fard