Study on Nanoclay Dispersion in a Polymer Matrix by High-Resolution Electron Microscopy Combined with Electron Tomography

In this study, we choose poly[(butylene succinate)-co-adipate] (PBSA) as our model polymer. PBSA is a random copolymer of poly(butylene succinate) (PBS); which shows a variety of interesting physical properties, including biodegradability. The nanocomposite of PBSA with methyl tallow bis(2-hydroxylethyl) quaternary ammonium modified montmorillonite (MMT) (commercially known as C30B) were prepared by melt-mixing in a batch mixer. The nature of the silicate layers’ dispersion in the PBSA/C30B (4 wt.%) composite was characterized by X-ray diffraction, highannular-angle-dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (HAADF-STEM), and finally, by 3-D electron tomography.