Determination of dimensional characteristics of particles of clay powders as nanofillers of polymer compositions

Abstract

Comparative morphometric analysis of different types and brands of clay powders of domestic origin for the reasonable choice of filler of polymer nanocomposite materials with improved properties. Morphometric analysis of alumina particles was performed by optical polarization microscopy. Micrographs were obtained using a digital camera with an adapter. To quantify the size of clay particles, we used the image analysis method in ImageJ program. The area, perimeter were determined, and the equivalent diameter and particle shape index were calculated. Statistical processing of the experimental data was performed using the software packages "Statistica" and "Excel". A comparative morphometric analysis of various types and grades of clay powders of domestic origin, intended for use as nanofillers in the production of polymeric composite materials with improved properties, was performed. It was found that the nature of the distribution of particles of equivalent diameter in all the studied samples is qualitatively similar, but has certain differences in quantitative indicators. The distribution of particles of the studied brands of clay powders according to the shape indicator showed a pronounced asymmetry towards its maximum values. On the basis of a detailed morphometric analysis of particles of different types of clay powders, differences in the quantitative characteristics of the particle distribution by the equivalent diameter and shape index were established. The results obtained will allow a reasonable approach to the selection of the brand of clay, which will be used as filler in the production of polymeric nanocomposite materials.