Visualization of nanomechanical mapping on polymer nanocomposites by AFM force measurement

Dong Wang, So Fujinami, Ken Nakajima, Shigeki Inukai, Hiroyuki Ueki, Akira Magario, Toru Noguchi, Morinobu Endo, Toshio Nishi

    Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

    56 Citations (Scopus)

    Abstract

    Nanocomposite based on an elastomer, natural rubber (NR), and pristine multi-walled carbon nanotubes (MWCNT) was prepared using a two-roll mill mixer. The high shearing stress induced homogeneous dispersion of 5 phr. MWCNTs in NR matrix. A procedure based on combination of Johnson-Kendall-Robert (JKR) contact mechanics and " two-point method" together with AFM force measurements, was successfully used to visualize nanomechanical mapping on the resulting nanocomposites. Topography, elastic modulus, and adhesive energy distribution maps were obtained at the same point and at the same time in a single scan. Such maps were successfully used to identify and characterize CNTs and NR regions in nanocomposites. The intermediate modulus region formed around CNTs was investigated on the quantitative evaluation in real space and demonstrated the existence of interaction between CNTs and NR matrix.

    Original languageEnglish
    Pages (from-to)2455-2459
    Number of pages5
    JournalPolymer
    Volume51
    Issue number12
    DOIs
    Publication statusPublished - 2010 May

    Keywords

    • Carbon nanotubes
    • Nanomechanical mapping
    • Polymer nanocomposites

    ASJC Scopus subject areas

    • Organic Chemistry
    • Polymers and Plastics
    • Materials Chemistry

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