Transmission Electron Microscope - Polymer1

4.2. Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM)

The dispersion characteristics of organically modified clays within the PBAT and MA-g-PBAT matrix is represented in figure 2a to 2e.

Figure 2: TEM Images for PBAT and its Bio-nanocomposite

(a). PBAT/C30B
(b). PBAT/B109


(c). PBAT/C20A(d). MA-g-PBAT-C30B


(e). MA-g-PBAT-B109


The intercalated clay galleries as well as stacks of agglomerated clays galleries were noticed within the PBAT matrix in case of PBAT/C20A (figure 2c), PBAT/B109 (figure2b) and PBAT/C30B (figure 2a) bio-nanocomposites. However, grafting of PBAT with MA results in improved dispersion characteristics of organically modified clays within MA-g-PBAT matrix. In case of MA-g-PBAT/B109 (figure 2e) bio-nanocomposite hybrids, smaller amount of stack platelets appear in broad and obscure regions, since the layer silicates are composed of heavier elements like aluminium, silicon, magnesium than surrounding matrix, they appear darker in bright field images. Regions of exfoliated clay galleries along with intercalated stacks were also evidenced in the TEM micrographs of MA-g-PBAT/C30B (figure 2d) and MA-g-PBAT/B109, which further confirmed improved interface due to formation of chemical/physical bonds.