Quantitative description of filler dispersion in composite materials by fractal analysis and fluorescent labeling‐LSCM visualization technology

Abstract

Filler dispersion is one of the key factors that significantly affect the performance of composite materials. Quantitative description of the dispersion state of fillers in composites and the internal relationship between the dispersion state and the macro‐mechanical properties of composites are very important for the performance design, prediction and processing process control of composites. In order to quantitatively and visually describe the dispersion state of inorganic fillers in matrix, research the relationship between fillers dispersion and composites properties. Here, by the fluorescent labeling technology of inorganic fillers and the surface organic modification technology, a modified fluorescently labeled calcium carbonate (MF‐CaCO3) with red fluorescence effect and good dispersibility was obtained, and polypropylene (PP)/MF‐CaCO3 composites with different loadings were prepared (the weight concentrations of MF‐CaCO3 in filler is 2, 5, 10, 15, and 20 wt%, respectively). The fractal dimension D value for evaluating the uniformity of filler dispersion has been successfully received, based on fractal analysis and fluorescent labeling‐laser scanning confocal microscope three‐dimensional (3D) visualization technology. Through the statistical results of experimental data, it was found that the value of fractal dimension D was obviously negatively correlated with the macroscopic mechanical properties of composite materials. When the dispersion of the filler was the best, that is, the fractal dimension D value took on a minimum and the composites had the best impact resistance. At the same time, this method based on fractal analysis and 3D visualization technology provides a new idea for quantitatively describing the dispersion state of fillers and its relationship with the mechanical properties of composites.

Dispersion Performances and Fluorescent Behaviors of Naphthalic Anhydride Doped in Poly(acrylic acid) Frameworks for pH-Sensitive Ibuprofen Delivery via Fractal Evolution

“…As Kang reports [ 44 , 45 ], the dispersion state of CaCO 3 in polypropylene composites was quantitatively evaluated by fractal analysis; therefore, we also tried to use the fractal value to describe the dispersion state of NA doped in PAA. As shown in Figure 6 , the D m value of the P(NA-AA) swollen at 1 h increased from 2.66 for P(NA-AA)−0−0.1 ( Figure 6 A-a) to 2.70 for P(NA-AA)−0−1 ( Figure 6 C-a) and continually increased to 2.84 for P(NA-AA)−0−10 ( Figure 6 E-a), suggesting that the aggregated NA clusters became dense structures.…”

Cellulose-Reinforced Polylactic Acid Composites for Three-Dimensional Printing Using Polyethylene Glycol as an Additive: A Comprehensive Review

“…Notably, it presents drawbacks like higher costs, elevated hardness and rigidity, constrained service temperature range, diminished toughness, limited crystallization capacity, increased porosity, and insufficient inter-layer adhesion. These factors collectively curtail its potential usage in specific applications [3,15].…”

“…Regarding the methods used in the preparation of PLA/cellulose composites and nanocomposites, the most common are melt mixing (internal mixer, single or twin-screw extruder) [13][14][15][16], solvent evaporation by casting [5,17], or a combination of two or more processes. Among these, melt mixing using an internal mixer or twin-screw extruder has the most potential for industrial application since solvent evaporation by casting is used only on a laboratory scale [1].…”