Atomic Force and Electron Scanning Microscopy of Silicone Composites

The conclusions of direct numerical simulation obtained earlier, within the cluster quantum-chemical approximation, are used in experimental investigations of polydimethylsiloxane composites with schungit or silica. The surface structure of these composites by atomic force and scanning electron microscopy was studied. Correlation of the distribution of micro- and nanodimensional fillers in the polymer matrix with the physical-mechanical properties of the composites was established

Scanning Probe Microscopy of Elastomers with Mineral Fillers

The results of a comprehensive study of the newly synthesized elastomeric composites filled with micro- and nanoscale modified shungite and also taurit, diatomit, and neosyl fillers are presented. The surface structure study of the prepared composites was conducted using scanning probe microscopy. The use of microscopy allowed visualization of the distribution patterns of filler aggregates and agglomerates in composites. The morphology and micro-nanometer size ranges of these aggregates in the synthesized materials are determined. The proposed method of grinding shungite, taurit, diatomit, and neosyl fillers allows significantly increasing the strength characteristics of these composites. The correlation between the reinforcement of the elastic-strength properties and the distribution of the used fillers in the rubber matrix was established

Composition and Structure Influence on Properties of Elastomeric Composites with Silicon Dioxide Fillers

The problem of finding effective polymer elastomer fillers now is actual task. This chapter presents experimental studies of composites based on industrial synthetic butadiene-styrene rubber with amorphous silicon dioxide filler particles, obtained from rice husk ash processing products. The new methodology was developed for producing highly dispersed fillers powders with micro- and nano-sizes using a planetary ball mill. The synthesized composites surface structure was investigated using scanning electron and atomic force microscopy. The composites elastic-strength properties were studied by tensile testing machine. The significant influence of the surface functionality and the carbon/silicon dioxide ratio in fillers on the elastomeric composites mechanical properties is shown. It is concluded that these new classes of reinforcing fillers can be recommended for practical use