Plasma etching to enhance visibility of nanoparticles 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 study montmorilonite (MMT) clay with vinyl ester and epoxy nanocomposites samples produced using high shear mixing. Results were compared with transmission electron microscope data. The study details the versatility and the use of this technique for visualization of inorganic platelets. The etch rate for 2% MMT/vinyl ester and 1% MMT/epoxy nanocomposites varies from 1 to 2 nm/minute.