Visualisation of carbon black networks in rubbery matrix by skeletonisation of 3D-TEM image

The first visualization of nanofiller networking due to association of carbon black in natural rubber is achieved by a transmission electron microscopy combined with computerised tomography (3D-TEM), and the resulted skeleton displays the characteristics of the filler network, which has long been assumed on the percolation behaviour in electron conductivity and on the mechanical behaviours of filled rubbers. (c) 2006 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.