Chemistry Reference
In-Depth Information
ABSTRACT
In this chapter, different methods of filler structure (distribution) determi-
nation in polymer matrix; both experimental and theoretical are discussed
in detail.
6.1 INTRODUCTION
The experimental analysis of particulate-filled nanocomposites butadiene-
styrene rubber/fullerene-containing mineral (nanoshungite) was fulfilled
with the aid of force-atomic microscopy, nanoindentation methods and
computer treatment. The theoretical analysis was carried out within the
frameworks of fractal analysis. It has been shown that interfacial regions in
the mentioned nanocomposites are the same reinforcing element as nano-
filler actually. The conditions of the transition from nano- to microsystems
were discussed. The fractal analysis of nanoshungite particles aggregation
in polymer matrix was performed. In has been shown that reinforcement
of the studied nanocomposites is a true nanoeffect.
The modern methods of experimental and theoretical analysis of poly-
mer materials structure and properties allow not only to confirm earlier
propounded hypotheses, but to obtain principally new results. Let us con-
sider some important problems of particulate-filled polymer nanocompos-
ites, the solution of which allows to advance substantially in these ma-
terials properties understanding and prediction. Polymer nanocomposites
multicomponentness (multiphaseness) requires their structural compo-
nents quantitative characteristics determination. In this aspect interfacial
regions play a particular role, since it has been shown earlier, that they are
the same reinforcing element in elastomeric nanocomposites as nanofiller
actually [1]. Therefore, the knowledge of interfacial layer dimensional
characteristics is necessary for quantitative determination of one of the
most important parameters of polymer composites in general their rein-
forcement degree [2, 3].
The aggregation of the initial nanofiller powder particles in more or less
large particles aggregates always occurs in the course of technological
process of making particulate filled polymer composites in general [4]
and elastomeric nanocomposites in particular [5]. The aggregation process
tells on composites (nanocomposites) macroscopic properties [2-4]. For
nanocomposites nanofiller aggregation process gains special significance,
