A method of visualization of inorganic nanoparticles dispersion in nanocomposites

Air plasma etching followed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) imaging technique for visualizing the inorganic nanofillers in polymeric composites is a promising technique for quick screening of exfoliation and dispersion of nanofillers in nanocomposites in manufacturing and materials development environments. The method was applied to three different nanocomposites, namely, montmorillonite (MMT) clay vinyl ester, carbon nanotube (CNT) vinyl ester and MMT epoxy nanocomposites samples produced using high shear mixing. Results were compared with transmission electron microscope data. The etch rate for 2%MMT/vinyl ester and 1%MMT/epoxy nanocomposites varied from 1 to 2 nm/min.