Quantified stereological macrodispersion analysis of polymer nanocomposites

A quantified stereological characterization approach for polymer nanocomposite macrodispersion is presented. Three differently dispersed 1.0 wt.% polycarbonate/carbon nanofiber composites are studied with the analysis tool to quantitatively describe the differences in the nanocomposite microstructures. Strong trends were found describing the differences with observed agglomeration states. Established stereological functions were used with the observed agglomerate data to estimate the bulk macrodispersion states of the different systems. Error analysis was performed on the estimated bulk agglomeration states which revealed accurate or increased accuracy compared to observed data for the poor and medium dispersion systems studied. Through this characterization approach, a better understanding of nanocomposite macrodispersion states can be realized creating more effective property correlation and material behavior prediction.