Abstract Inhomogeneous distributions of nanoparticles in polymer nanocomposites have a strong influence on final material properties. Quantitative methods to characterise particle dispersion are rarely applied but are critical for advancing understanding of material behaviour, developing accurate computer models, and optimizing processing. Two complementary quantitative methods were developed to map local concentration, based on Raman spectroscopy and simple optical absorbance, respectively. The approaches are demonstrated for a model multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWNT) epoxy nanocomposite, but should be widely applicable. Maps of absolute concentration can be produced with submicron resolution, allowing analysis of the uniformity of MWNT concentration distribution via the coefficient of variation. The two approaches correlate closely, providing validation of both methods. However, the optical absorbance approach is likely to be more practical, in most cases, as it uses a standard laboratory microscope to analyse large areas rapidly.

中文翻译：

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纳米复合材料中多壁碳纳米管浓度的快速定量图

摘要 聚合物纳米复合材料中纳米颗粒的不均匀分布对最终材料的性能有很大影响。表征粒子分散的定量方法很少应用，但对于促进对材料行为的理解、开发准确的计算机模型和优化处理至关重要。开发了两种互补的定量方法来分别基于拉曼光谱和简单的吸光度来绘制局部浓度。这些方法已针对模型多壁碳纳米管 (MWNT) 环氧纳米复合材料进行了演示，但应广泛适用。可以以亚微米分辨率生成绝对浓度图，允许通过变异系数分析 MWNT 浓度分布的均匀性。这两种方法密切相关，提供两种方法的验证。然而，在大多数情况下，光学吸光度方法可能更实用，因为它使用标准实验室显微镜来快速分析大面积。