Poly(vinyl alcohol)/silica/clay (PVA-si-clay) and poly(vinyl alcohol)/(fumed silica)/clay (PVA-fsi-clay) nanocomposites were prepared via solution intercalation by exploiting phase separation based on the bridging of particles by polymer chains. Both nanocomposites were characterized by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscopy, adsorption isotherm (Brunauer-Emmett-Teller model [BET]), X-ray fluorescence, thermogravimetric analysis, and tensile testing. The Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy indicated that the PVA-si-clay (1.28E) nanocomposite had a much broader peak compared with other nanocomposites. The PVA-si-clay (1.28E) nanocomposite contained the highest percentage of silicon group compared with other nanocomposites. According to the results of the scanning electron microscopy, clay (1.28E) showed better compatibility with the PVA-si matrix followed by clay (1.30E) with PVA-fsi matrix. The results of the Brunauer-Emmett-Teller model showed PVA-si-clay (1.28E) and PVA-fsi-clay (1.30E) nanocomposites had a higher surface area and average pore volume with a smaller pore size. The hydroxylfunctionalized PVA compatibilizer enhanced the mechanical properties as well as the thermal properties because of a higher level of interaction between the hydroxyl groups of PVA, the silanol groups of silica phase, and the modified clay. J. VINYL ADDIT. TECHNOL.,

Router bit is the most critical material during printed circuit board (PCB) depanelization process. According to industrial record, replacing ordinary router bit with diamond coated router bit can save 80% of depenalization cost. Hence, quality and reliability of router bit become a critical issue during material qualifying process. Material qualifying process involve small scale test at industry to check on tool performance. However, there is no initial study by end user for these specific coating on router bit which is the major contributor for the long life performance. Without that critical information, quality and reliability of diamond coated router bit cannot be compared in future. Therefore a study on diamond coated structure and layer of coating of commercial diamond coated router bit is carried out to obtain information on thickness of coating, layer structure and type of the diamond coating. Sample prepared by etching using murakami solution and an acid solution of hydrogen peroxide. The sample is analize under 5000 times magnification of scanning electron microscopy (SEM) to provide detail on coating thickness, layer structure and type of coating.