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Visualisation of Nanoclay Dispersion in Polymer Matrix by High‐Resolution Electron Microscopy Combined with Electron Tomography
Author(s) -
Ray Suprakas Sinha
Publication year - 2009
Publication title -
macromolecular materials and engineering
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.913
H-Index - 96
eISSN - 1439-2054
pISSN - 1438-7492
DOI - 10.1002/mame.200900027
Subject(s) - materials science , polymer , exfoliation joint , nanocomposite , transmission electron microscopy , dispersion (optics) , montmorillonite , silicate , scanning electron microscope , composite material , scanning transmission electron microscopy , small angle x ray scattering , matrix (chemical analysis) , polymer nanocomposite , chemical engineering , scattering , optics , nanotechnology , graphene , physics , engineering
Abstract In order to establish the structure‐property relationship in the case of clay containing polymer nanocomposites, detailed understanding of silicate layers dispersion into the polymer matrix is necessary. In this study, biodegradable poly[(butylene succinate)‐ co ‐adipate] (PBSA) was chosen as a model polymer and the nanocomposite of PBSA with organically modified montmorillonite (OMMT) was prepared via the melt‐mixing in a batch mixer. The degree of dispersion of silicate layers in the PBSA matrix was investigated by means of wide angle X‐ray diffraction, small angle X‐ray scattering, high‐annular‐angle‐dark‐field scanning transmission electron microscopy, and high resolution transmission electron microscopy combined with electron tomography. Results demonstrated the homogeneous dispersion of clay platelets in the PBSA matrix. However, the true exfoliation of silicate layers in the polymer matrix is quite difficult to achieve, although there are strong favourable interactions between the polymer matrix and the OMMT surface.