Filler Particles Research Articles

Exploring the potential of induced dipole-dominated electrorheological effect: advancing ER elastomers

Abstract Prior research has predominantly focused on traditional electrorheological (ER) effects while overlooking the transformative potential of induced dipoles in enhancing the overall performance of ER materials. In this study, we introduced a novel type of ER elastomer called induced dipole-dominated ER elastomer (ID-ERE). Through high-energy ball milling (HEBM) of the filler particles, the oxygen vacancies were produced within the particles that acted as local charge centers. In the presence of an external electric field (E), these oxygen vacancies induced the dipoles with significant dipole moments, thus amplifying the local electric field EL within the particle gaps. The powerful interactions of these dipoles significantly improved the overall performance of elastomer; the phenomenon referred to as the ID-ER effect. The viscoelastic results showed that ID-EREs have high field-induced storage modulus (G’ = 395.7 kPa), a significant increment in storage modulus (ΔG’ = 270.5 kPa) and high relative ER effect (ΔG’/G0 = 217.2%) at 3 kV mm−1. Additionally, after testing ID-EREs viscoelastic properties, it was discovered that excessive powder content leads to a decline in the elastomer’s performance. The results showed that ID-ERE’s viscoelastic, mechanical, dielectric, and overall efficiency is finer than the control ER elastomer (C-ERE) having unmilled TiO2 particles. Besides, the preparation method is straightforward, easily replicated, scalable, and cost effective. Thus, these ID-EREs should be a new generation of elastomer with the potential to be used in various automotive, robotics, construction, and electroactive actuators industries.

An experimental and analytical investigation to determine thermal conductivity of epoxy-filler composites for space applications

Thermal conductivity of epoxy-filler composite based Thermal Interface Materials (TIMs) is of utmost importance for thermal management systems used in space applications. Previous studies have shown that depending on the filler particle mixed into the epoxy, thermal conductivity of the composite can either be increased or decreased. Towards that, we have selected four different filler particles (micron sized) – aluminium, copper, zinc and silver to enhance the thermal conductivity of the base epoxy. Thermal conductivity of these 4 epoxy-filler composites has been determined experimentally using an indigenous developed setup at the temperatures ranging from 4.2 K to 323 K. The values have also been reported at various volume fractions (up to 15 %). In addition, after each preparation as the filler particles are mixed mechanically into the epoxy, they are randomly distributed, and this can affect the composite’s thermal conductivity (for the same volume fraction). The experimental determination of thermal conductivity for all the possible distributions is a time consuming, and cumbersome task. In the literature, thermal conductivity values are usually reported for few possible distributions. Therefore, we have developed a novel analytical model to predict all the possible values of thermal conductivity for a specific volume fraction. The predicted values compare well with our experimental data reported in this work at temperatures ranging between 338 K (above room temperature) to 4.2 K (liquid helium temperature). The predicted values are also in good agreement with the experimental values of different fillers such as red mud, pine wood dust and glass fiber etc. from the literature. Additionally, in comparison to other theoretical models like Lewis-Nielsen, Rule of mixture, and Poisson’s distribution, the present model predicts the thermal conductivity values more precisely. This work will be significant in the designing of components where heat transfer plays an important role towards the safety of the component.

Tailoring the mechanical properties of macro-porous PVA hydrogels for biomedical applications

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a biocompatible biopolymer with superior dimensional and mechanical stability when compared to naturally available biomaterials such as collagen and gelatin. Furthermore, PVA in hydrogel form behaves non-linearly during mechanical loading, generating a response like soft biological tissues. Generally, PVA hydrogels are fabricated using freeze-thaw cycles (FTCs) and changing the number of FTCs gives control over its mechanical properties. Porosity of the hydrogel is another important factor which determines its mechanical properties and is also evident in biological soft tissues. Incorporating macro-pores in PVA hydrogels substantially reduces the stiffness of the material and can mimic some porous tissues such as lung, liver, bone marrow, kidneys, urethra and penile tissues (corpus cavernosa). Within this study, we developed macro-porous PVA hydrogels using the freeze-thaw process followed by particulate leaching of sacrificial 3D-printed and milled PVA (m-PVA) filler particles. This fabrication method enables control over the porosity in macro-porous PVA hydrogels, which is crucial not only for tuning mechanical properties but also for mimicking the structure of spongy tissues, such as liver tissue and corpus cavernosum in the penile tissue, for example. We investigated the level of porosity in the specimen using optical microscopy to understand the distribution of the pores and the pore size. The tunability of the mechanical properties of PVA hydrogels is, a key finding of this study and is achieved using three factors: (i) weight percentage of sacrificial fillers, (ii) number of FTCs and (iii) concentration of PVA. These macro-porous PVA specimens have wide ranging biomedical applications as biological soft tissue analogues, or tissue engineering scaffolds, where the PVA hydrogel can be tuned to match the mechanical properties of these soft biological tissues.

Magnetic Triggering of Functional Organosilica Filler Particles for Controlling the Thermoreversible Attachment to Polymer Matrices.

Polymer materials containing filler particles are widely used in automotive components, construction materials, packaging materials, medical devices and supplies, and much more. The fillers strongly modulate the properties of the composite. In some applications, one is interested in smart features of those composites, meaning one can post-synthetically and reversibly change the characteristics as a response to an easy-to-apply trigger. For example, if the excision of an implant material may become necessary, then the polymer-filler hybrid changing from mechanically robust to soft(er) would be very beneficial. Here, we present a proof-of-concept study that shows that stimuli-responsive polymer-filler composites can be achieved by functional organosilica nanoparticles. The nanoparticles comprise a superparamagnetic core surrounded by a mesoporous organosilica shell. The polymer matrix is attached to the filler via Diels-Alder coupling to maleimide groups present at the surface of the organosilica. Exposure to an alternating magnetic field generates local heat in the organosilica particles. Utilizing fluorescence probes bound to the polymer backbone's side chains, we could prove that detachment occurs via a retro-Diels-Alder reaction within minutes.

Mechanical strength analysis of bio composite made by using micro powder made of Prosopis cineraria wood

The Present study examines the mechanical strength of bio-composites fabricated from wood powder of Prosopis cineraria (Khejri) and jute fiber as reinforcement inside an epoxy resin matrix. The mechanical performance of these bio-composites was assessed by altering filler content percentages (0%, 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, and 20%) and filler particle sizes (250 microns and 500 microns) under standard and carbonate conditions. Tensile strength and impact energy assessments were performed to evaluate the effects of filler content, particle size, and filler type on the mechanical characteristics of the composites. The tensile strength tests reveal that composites with 12% filler and a particle size of 250 microns had the maximum tensile strength, measuring 33.4 MPa under normal settings and 34.8 MPa under carbonate conditions. An increase in filler content over 12% resulted in a reduction in mechanical strength due to filler agglomeration, which decreased stress transfer efficiency. The composites with 250-micron particles consistently demonstrated superior tensile and impact strengths compared to those with 500-micron particles, due to the increased surface area of the smaller particles. Comparative analysis of normal and carbonate conditions demonstrated that carbonate fillers offered superior reinforcement owing to their increased density and enhanced matrix-filler interaction, leading to augmented tensile and impact strength. These findings provide significant insights into the development of bio-composites for structural applications, namely in improving their mechanical strength and durability.

Geometry Dependent Microwave Absorption Properties in Carbonaceous Materials over X-Band Frequencies (8.2-12.4 GHz) for Stealth Applications

: Carbonaceous materials of two different types, viz. spherical nano carbon black (NCB) powder (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller (BET) surface area ~1400 m2/g) and multiwalled carbon nanotube (MWCNT) (BET surface area ~75 m2/g), have been impregnated in room temperature vulcanized (RTV) silicon rubber matrix to study the effect of geometries of filler particles on microwave absorption characteristics, over X-band frequencies (8.2 -12.4 GHz). The rubber-based composites are prepared by dispersion of NCB and MWCNT fillers in the liquid rubber with loading fractions ranging from 0.3-0.9 wt% and 1.1-1.7 wt%, respectively. The dielectric loss tangent (tanδe) profiles were evaluated for the filler-loaded rubber composites at different concentrations. The calculated Reflection loss (RL) profiles suggest that NCB-based rubber provides maximum RL value, (RL)max ~ -20 dB (99.00 % absorption), at a lower filler concentration of 0.5 wt%, as compared to MWCNT. However, the MWCNT-based rubber composite shows enhanced (RL)min values of ~ -29 dB (~99.99% absorption) due to multiple scattering phenomena. The identified NCB and MWCNT-based rubber-based MW absorbers have potential stealth applications for military aerial vehicles.

Effect of electrically aligned polycrystalline diamond flakes on the through-plane thermal conductivity of heat conduction sheets

Heat conduction sheets, which are composed of a thermally conductive filler and a base elastomer matrix, are important for dissipating heat from devices to a heat sink. Alignment of the heat-conducting two-dimensional filler particles enhances the thermal conductivity of the heat conduction sheet. In this study, we prepared polycrystalline diamond (PCD) flakes and then electrically aligned the PCD flakes in the through-plane direction of heat conduction sheet samples. The PCD flakes were fabricated by pulverizing a synthesized PCD thin layer. The typical size of the PCD flakes was ∼1 μm in thickness and ∼35 μm in diameter. The PCD flakes were electrically aligned in a polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) matrix by applying alternating high voltage with parallel-plate electrodes. The heat conduction sheet containing 20 wt% aligned PCD flakes in the matrix exhibited high through-plane thermal conductivity of 0.47 W m−1 K−1, while that of the heat conduction sheet with aligned granular diamond filler particles was 0.37 W m−1 K−1. The high thermal conductivity comes from the formation of a large contact area between the filler particles and flake network by electrical alignment in the heat conduction sheet.

Characterisation and properties of Nanohybrid Dental Composite (NhDC) reinforced with zirconia and alumina

A trial nanohybrid dental composite (NHDC) was developed using silica extracted from biowaste rice. Aim: This study aims to test the effect of mixture of the silica and other filler which is zirconia and alumina, focusing on the characterization and their properties. Nano-silica obtained from rice husk was used as NHDC filler. Methods: Nanosilica white powder, derived from rice husk, was used. There were three groups: Group I, Zr (2%) and Al (3%); group II, Zr (3%) and Al (2%); and group III, Zr (3%). The distribution of filler particles and the chemical structure of filler particles were determined by FESEM images and FTIR test. Then, testing on Vickers hardness (VHN) and fracture strength (FS) of the samples was performed. Results: The distribution of filler particles showed a uniform distribution, and each peak element of the fillers was shown in the FTIR spectrum images. There was significantly increased on VHN and FS after addition of zirconia and alumina. Conclusion: This study concluded that zirconia and alumina strengthen the NHDC properties with addition of zirconia and alumina filler.

A Short Review on Radiopaque Polyurethanes in Medicine: Physical Principles, Effect of Nanoparticles, Processing, Properties, and Applications

Polyurethanes are used in a wide range of biomedical applications due to their variety of physical–chemical, mechanical, and structural properties, and biotic and abiotic degradation. They are widely used in bio-imaging procedures when metallic-based filler particles are incorporated, making the final product radiopaque. It would be advantageous, however, if polyurethanes with intrinsic radiopacity could be produced in their synthesis, avoiding a series of disadvantages in the processing and final product and also presenting potential antimicrobial activities. This review’s objective was to study the radiopacifying characteristics of nanoparticles, the physical principles of radiopacity, and the variety of medical applications of polyurethanes with nanoparticles. It was found in this study that the synthetization of radiopaque polyurethanes is not only possible but the efficiency of synthetization was improved when using atoms with high electron density as part of the backbone or when grafted, making them great multipurpose materials.

Advanced and sustainable EMI shielding composites: Natural rubber-nitrile rubber blends enhanced with hydrothermally synthesized Polyaniline Nanofibers and spinel strontium ferrites

Conductive fillers, such as metals and carbon compounds, often exhibit lower compatibility with polymer matrices, leading to agglomeration phenomena that negatively impact the processing and performance of composites. Polyaniline (PANI) nanofibers, with their high conductivity, rapidly create conductive pathways upon contact, reducing current leakage and dielectric loss in composites. To address the compatibility challenges between fillers and matrices, this study adopts a simple, cost-effective approach for synthesizing highly efficient EMI shielding composites. Specifically, we employ hydrothermal synthesis to enhance the properties of PANI nanofibers and spinel strontium ferrites, significantly improving their performance as filler particles. By modifying the morphology of the conductive fillers and incorporating magnetic particles wrapped with an insulating polymer layer, we enhance filler-matrix compatibility. Notably, the synthesized system is a composite made of natural rubber, highlighting its relevance and importance in the current era. This approach not only improves compatibility but also leverages the sustainable properties of natural rubber, making it a significant advancement in the field of EMI shielding materials. In this paper, we report a flexible EMI shielding composite with efficient EM wave absorption, prepared using a natural rubber-nitrile rubber blend as the matrix, and hydrothermally synthesized improves polyaniline nanofibers and spinel strontium ferrite as functional fillers. The shielding efficiency (SET) increases up to 36 dB with different PANI-SrFe2O4wt percentages. This demonstrates the potential of composite for high-performance applications.

Particles reinforcement via friction stir processing (FSP): A Review

Abstract Friction stir processing (FSP) is a variant of friction stir welding (FSW) follows the same principle of operation as that of FSW; however, its purpose is very much different. FSP can be employed for the reinforcement of particulate filler in materials to form surface composites. FSP carries a tool of cylindrical shape with shoulder and pin. Being mounted with the spindle of the machine, it can rotate with high speed as well as exert vertical force and hence plunges the pin in to the materials. Heat originated due to friction softens the material beneath shoulder and as tool passed through ahead the material is processed and consolidated. During processing, materials experience severe deformation and mixing. Also, the temperature of the materials goes high significantly due to the synergetic effect of friction and plastic deformation. Due to the material mixing and thermo-mechanical nature, the process opens the door for the possible incorporation of second phase particles in the processed region. In this review, firstly processing/reinforcement approaches will be discussed which will be followed by effect of process parameters. After that, microstructure evolution and related mechanical properties will be discussed in detail. The synergism among process parameters, microstructure and mechanical properties will also be discussed.

The Influence of Filler Particle Size on the Strength Properties and Mechanical Energy Dissipation Capacity of Biopoly(Ethylene Terephthalate) BioPET/Eggshell Biocomposites

This work aims to evaluate how the particle size of a waste filler in the form of eggshells changes the mechanical properties of biopoly(ethylene terephthalate) (bioPET). BioPET was modified with three different waste fractions: 1.60–3 mm—large particles; 1.60–1 mm—medium particles; 1 mm–200 μm—small particles. Waste filler was added to the biopolymer matrix in the amount of 10 wt.%. Static tensile tests, as well as bending and impact tests, were carried out to assess the strength properties of the waste-enriched materials. Dissipation energy changes and relaxation processes were observed and evaluated by means of a low-cycle dynamic test. Waste particles were shown to be an effective modifier of bioPET by increasing its stiffness (all particle sizes) and strength (the smallest ones). Studies of the wetting angle and mechanical energy dissipation in the first hysteresis loops indicate the better adhesion of small particles to the biopolymer and their greater ability to dissipate mechanical energy.

Processing and characterization of waste dolomite dust filled hemp‐epoxy composites

AbstractThe necessity to adapt sustainable development, green chemistry and industrial ecology leads to the creation of newer materials and the utilization of waste. In this context, this work aims at exploring the feasibility of the fabrication of hybrid composites comprised of a polymeric resin reinforced with a natural fiber (hemp) and an industry waste filler (dolomite dust). While the hemp fiber content is kept constant, epoxy‐based hybrid composites are fabricated with different weight percentages of dolomite dust using the conventional hand lay‐up route. The microstructural features of the constituent materials are studied using stereo and scanning electron microscopes which show the shape and size of dolomite particles and the arrangement of fibers. An x‐ray diffraction analysis revealed the presence of hematite, graphite, lime and manganite. The presence of functional groups like hydroxyl, carboxyl and azide is ascertained from the transmittance spectra of Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy. The density and void fractions are increasing with the amount of filler particles in the composite. It is observed that the tensile and flexural strengths of the composites marginally drop with increase in dolomite dust content, but there is a reasonable improvement in their inter‐laminar shear strength, micro‐hardness and impact strength values.

How the Dimensions of Plant Filler Particles Affect the Oxidation-Resistant Characteristics of Polyethylene-Based Composite Materials

This study analyzed the possibility of using plant-originated waste materials (black and green tea dust) as functional polyethylene fillers. The dependence between the size of the filler particles and their antioxidant potential is discussed. Six fractions were selected: below 50 µm, 50–100 µm, 100–200 µm, 200–400 µm, 400–630 µm and 630–800 µm. Significant differences between the effect of particle size and the antioxidant properties of black and green tea were found using the extraction method to analyze antioxidant activity (DPPH method) and total phenolic content (Folin-Ciocalteu method), suggesting a higher potential for using green tea as a filler with antioxidant properties, as well as the benefits of finer active filler distribution. Biomass waste fillers were mixed with low-density polyethylene LDPE SEB 853 I’m Green®, Braskem. Those samples were oxidized at 100 °C for 5 and 15 days to investigate the radical scavenging properties of fillers in composites. Fourier transform infrared spectroscopic studies show that the addition of both types of filler prevents the thermo-oxidation of polyethylene for 5 days. After 15 days, all samples except the BTW 400–630 and 630–800 µm exhibited oxidation. The mechanical properties of the LDPE and its’ composites were tested, and we noted an increased brittleness of neat LDPE after thermal oxidation. The addition of black tea particles above 100 µm in size prevents this behavior.

Comparison of Flexural Strength and Wear of Injectable, Flowable and Paste Composite Resins.

(1) Objectives: This study investigated and compared the wear and flexural strength of two highly filled (injectable), one flowable and one paste composite. (2) Methods: Two highly filled flowable composites (G-aenial Universal Injectable and Beautifil Plus F00), a paste composite (Empress Direct) and a conventional flowable (Tetric EvoFlow) were tested. A two-body wear test was carried out using 10 disc-shaped samples from each group, which were subjected to 200,000 wear machine cycles to simulate wear, followed by Scanning Electron Microscope analysis. Flexural strength was tested using a three-point bend test using 15 beam samples for each of the four groups. Values were statistically compared using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA) for flexural strength and a Kruskal-Wallis test for wear. (3) Results: The median volume loss for G-aenial Universal Injectable and Beautifil Plus F00 was statistically lower than that of both Empress Direct and Tetric EvoFlow. For flexural strength the two highly filled flowable composites both exhibited statistically higher mean flexural strength values compared to Empress Direct (p < 0.004) and Tetric Evoflow (p < 0.001). There were no statistically significant differences in the values of wear and flexural strength between the two highly filled flowable composites. (4) Conclusions/significance: Highly filled flowable composite resins with nano filler particles outperformed a conventional flowable and a paste composite resin in terms of wear resistance and flexural strength, and may be suitable to use in occlusal, load-bearing areas.

The effect of thermal aging on microhardness and SEM/EDS for characterisation bioactive filling materials

BackgroundThe aim of this study is to evaluate the surface microhardness, surface chemical composition of bioactive restorative materials pre- and post- thermal aging.MethodA total of 200 disc-shaped samples were prepared by using the materials: Cention N, ACTIVA BioActive Restorative, Equia Forte HT Fil, Glass Fill glass carbomer cement (GCP), and Fuji II LC. Vickers microhardness test were used to measure surface hardness. Scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM/EDS) was used to determine the characterization of the microstructures and elemental analysis of the materials. These measurements were repeated after thermal aging. One-Way ANOVA test, Bonferroni test and the Games-Howell test was used for data analysis. The significance level was accepted as 0.05.ResultsCention N had the highest vickers microhardness value before thermal cycle. The highest fluoride ion ratio among the materials before thermal aging was detected in the Equia Forte HT Fil and Fuji II LC groups. While a decrease in fluorideF ion was detected in all groups except the Cention N group after thermal aging. It is observed that ACTIVA BioActive Restorative has a more microporous and rougher surface in the scanning electron microscopy image after the thermal cycle than in the image before the thermal cycle.ConclusionsThe chemical properties of the materials and the properties of the filler particles may be related to the differences in the mechanical properties, surface characterizations and ion releases of the materials Thermal aging affected the microhardness, surface characteristics and elemental mass ratios of the studied materials. Alkasite bioactive materials are more similar to composite restorative materials and show better mechanical properties than other materials, but do not have the same effect on fluoride release.Clinical relevanceMost of the bioactive materials showed a decrease in the fluoride ion ratio after thermal aging, while no difference was found in the ion exchange of alkasite materials. Material selection should be made more carefully in caries-active individuals whose fluoride release is clinically important.

Coniferous Bark as Filler for Polylactic Acid-Based Biocomposites.

This study explores the possibilities of utilisation of coniferous bark as a filler in wood-polymer composites (WPCs), its impact on properties such as the modulus of rupture (MOR), modulus of elasticity (MOE), thickness swelling (TS) and water absorption (WA) after 2 h and 24 h of immersion in water and the significance of this impact compared to other factors. Six variants of bark-polylactic acid (PLA) WPCs were manufactured, differentiated by their filler content and filler particle size. As a comparison, analogous composites filled with coniferous sawdust were also manufactured. Bark-filled composites were characterised by lower TS and WA after both 2 h and 24 h of immersion, as well as lower water contact angles and surface free energy. The bark filler decreased the composites' MORs and MOEs, while greater differences were noticed for variants filled with small particles. The type of filler was the second most important factor contributing to variance in this study, with the filler content being the most important one.

Tri-functionally modified spherical silica for high-performance epoxy resin sealant

The integration of inorganic nanoparticles as reinforcement imparts epoxy resin with outstanding comprehensive performance, facilitating the utilization across diverse applications spanning coatings, adhesives, and composites. However, the persistent challenge lies in achieving optimal interfacial compatibility between the fillers and the resin matrix. This study focuses on the synthesis of tri-functionally modified spherical silica particles with an average size of 700 nm by empolying three distinct types of silane coupling agents in a synergistic manner to achieve desired functionalization. These agents endow the resulting particles with reactive groups, including epoxy and amine functionalities, which enhance interfacial compatibility and adhesion between the silica particle fillers and the epoxy resin matrix. Additionally, the incorporation of non-reactive phenyl groups serves to reduce the viscosity of resin composites. These modified silica particles are integrated into the sealant formulations, which exhibits commendable reliability and processability. It exhibits a 95 % reduction in moisture permeability, an increase in glass transition temperature by approximately 30 °C, and a decrease in coefficient of thermal expansion by 5∗10−6/k, compared to the sealant prepared with unmodified silica. The outcomes of this research present promising avenues for the advancement of cutting-edge display technologies.

The effect of nanocellulose and silica filler on the mechanical properties of natural fiber polymer matrix composites

Natural fiber-reinforced polymer matrix composites recently got great attention in biomedical applications due to their inherent characteristics such as biocompatibility, lightweight, and biodegradability. However, natural fiber composites suffer from poor mechanical properties and weak interfacial adhesion. It is well documented that the addition of nanofiller has improved the mechanical properties of different synthetic fibers such as glass and carbon composites. The main objective of this paper is to study nanofillers' effect on the mechanical properties of unidirectional false banana fibers reinforced polymer composites. The filler materials, crystalline nanocellulose fibrils, and crystalline nanosilica particles were extracted from sugarcane bagasse and its byproducts. The composite samples were fabricated by adding the nanofillers in unidirectional natural fibers arranged in four fiber orientations (0°, 0o/90o ±45o, and quasi-isotropic), and their tensile, flexural, compression strength, thermal stability, and void content were measured following ASTM standards. The results revealed that adding nanofillers increased the tensile, flexural, and compressive strengths by 16 % (98.83 Mpa), 11 % (161.60 Mpa), and 23 % (114.62 Mpa), respectively. Similarly, at 0° orientation, the addition of nanoparticles enhances the tensile, bending, and compressive modulus by 30 % (15.43 Gpa), 12 % (13.52 Gpa), and 60 % (42.6 Gpa), respectively. On the other hand, the void content was reduced with the addition of nanofillers. The results also revealed that composites with crystalline nanosilica particle fillers had superior thermal stability compared to crystalline nanocellulose fibril fillers. The overall results of this research give the confidence that nano particle-filled natural fiber composites can be used for bio-based engineering applications, such as prosthetic sockets.

Photorheologic Silicone Composites with Adaptive Properties by Utilizing Light‐Degradable Organosilica Nanoparticles as Fillers

AbstractImplementing inorganic filler particles is a powerful method for improving the mechanical properties of polymer composites. The physical properties are determined by the interaction of the filler with the polymer. Thus, factors like the surface‐to‐volume ratio and surface modification are important. Besides the strategies of influencing these physical properties by a prior modification of the filler, this approach applies a post‐treatment of the composite. The present publication focuses on bringing stimuli‐responsive properties to a composite material by changing the chemical composition and structure of the filler particles. Instead of creating a responsive polymer, the concept is to use photo‐degradable organosilica nanoparticles that can change the mechanical properties of a polymer/filler composite after it has been prepared. After the synthesis of nitrobenzyl ether containing organosilica nanoparticles and the investigation of the photochemical processes, the preparation of the composites with silicones is described. Vinyl groups are attached to the surfaces to secure a homogeneous distribution of the filler particles inside the polymer matrix. After light‐induced decomposition, the mechanical properties are investigated. Other than expected, the material becomes stiffer, which is explained by an increase in the surface area of the silica particles, accompanied by the emergence of hydroxy groups that interact with the polysiloxane.