Filler Particles in Elastomers by TMAFM

It is well known that the reinforcing potential of fillers can only be realized if a good dispersion of the filler is achieved. Traditionally, various carbon blacks have been used as fillers, more recently (modified) silica particles are being increasingly utilized. As shown below, the filler distribution can be directly assessed by AFM. 

Particulate filled EPDM mbber can be produced via conventional mixing procedures as described in [141]. Pure precipitated silica (Ultrasil VN3) and silica modified with a commerically available organosilane (Si 69), as well as carbon black (N 550) are employed as fillers.7 Unvulcanized samples for AFM observation are prepared by cutting small pieces of the compounds using a scalpel knife [(cryo) 

Intermittent Contact Phase Imaging of Filler Distributions 

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