Evaluation of matrix mechanical properties around the filler particles in polymer nanocomposites with a help of atomic force microscopy

Filled elastomers (rubber) are complex structurally inhomogeneous systems consisting of a mixture of dispersed particles, randomly distributed in the highly elastic polymer matrix (vulcanized rubber). Carbon black is most common as an active filler. Polymer nanolayers with special mechanical properties are formed on the surface of particles in the interaction of a binder and the active filler. The contribution of these nanolayers in the formation of rubber macro-properties can be quite substantial under certain conditions (nano-dispersed filler). Direct experimental study of polymer in nanolayers around the particles of carbon black in rubber involve significant technical difficulties due to the smallness of the objects of research and many additional distorting factors. The approach based on a combination of experimental studies of polymer nanolayers on a flat carbonized substrate by means atomic force microscopy and the corresponding model calculations was used to solve this problem. The estimation of stiffness and thickness of modified polymer was elaborated. These results do not contradict the known experimental data, indicating the prospects of this direction of research.