**3. Results and discussion**

## **3.1. Dispersion and morphology of organoclay**

The structures or morphologies of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites depend on interaction of the polymer with the layered silicate and the dispersion of layered silicate in the polymer matrix. WAXD is a useful and simple measurement to characterize clay morphologies in nanocomposites. The (001) plane diffraction peak observed in the WAXD pattern of TC3 white disappeared, compared with the pattern of layered silicate having dspacing 2.35 nm, as shown in Figure 1. The clay dispersion in the polymeric matrix was further examined using TEM. Typical TEM photographs for the TC3 white nanocomposite are shown in Figure 2. The dark plates, 15-25 nm in length, are the organoclays with surfaces paralleling the observed plane. The organoclays were fully exfoliated and well dispersed in the TLCP matrix without any agglomeration.

**Figure 1.** WAXRD patterns of organoclay, TLCP and TC3 white at room temperature.

**Figure 2.** TC3 white TEM micrographs.

280 Viscoelasticity – From Theory to Biological Applications

nominal D = 1.0 and 0.7 mm dies).

least 30 minutes [22].

for 30 minutes.

microtomed along the flow direction.

**3.1. Dispersion and morphology of organoclay** 

**3. Results and discussion** 

resolution limit of 0.2 g-cm and a 200 g-cm transducer within the resolution limit of 0.02 gcm. Before testing, equipment was preheated and equilibrated at the test temperature for at

The rheological behaviors of the HMMPE blends were also characterized by a capillary rheometer (CR) (Göttfert Rheograph 2003A, Germany) at 190 oC and 230 oC. Here, the controlled piston speed mode was used with the round hole capillary dies (nominal L/D ratio equal to 30/1 and die entrance angle 180°). The real die diameters used here were recalibrated before use (Calibrated dies diameters D = 0.924 mm and 0.542 mm for the

The TC3 white film embedded in epoxy was ultra-microtomed with glass knives on an ultracut microtome (Leica ultracut-R ultramicrotomed, Germany) at room temperature to give sections with a nominal thickness of 75 nm. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM) images were obtained with a transmission electron microscope at 200 kV (JEOL 2010, Japan).

The morphology of the extrudates generated during the capillary rheometric experiment was examined by high resolution scanning electron microscopy (SEM) (JEOL 6700F, Japan)

gold to minimize charging. The samples were quenched by compressed air from a hose placed near the die exit, providing a cooling ring. This 'froze' the structure of the TLCP droplets or fibrils before they could relax completely. Micrographs of the surfaces of these samples were taken after etching with a 10 wt% aqueous sodium hydroxide solution at 75 oC

The extrudate embedded in epoxy was ultra-microtomed with glass knives on an ultracut microtome at room temperature to produce sections with a nominal thickness of 100 nm. The sections were transferred to Cu grids. To enhance the phase contrast, the sections were stained with a ruthenium tetraoxide vapor for 2 hrs. TEM images were obtained with a transmission electron microscope at 200 KV (JEOL 2010, Japan). The 'frozen' extrudate for SEM was used for ultra-microtome. All images were obtained from sample sections

The structures or morphologies of polymer-layered silicate nanocomposites depend on interaction of the polymer with the layered silicate and the dispersion of layered silicate in the polymer matrix. WAXD is a useful and simple measurement to characterize clay morphologies in nanocomposites. The (001) plane diffraction peak observed in the WAXD pattern of TC3 white disappeared, compared with the pattern of layered silicate having dspacing 2.35 nm, as shown in Figure 1. The clay dispersion in the polymeric matrix was

layer of

with the acceleration voltage 5 kv. All samples were sputter-coated with a ~200 *A*

*2.2.6. Scanning electron microscopy & transmission electron microscopy* 
