3.3. Composite morphology
The SEM’s of composite morphology (Fig. 5) indicate that, upon fracture, particles remained embedded in the rubber, especially in ES and TP composites (Fig. 5b and d). Polymer strings connecting the filler to the rubber matrix, uneven polymer surfaces around the filler and roughness of the particles suggest relatively good inter- facial adhesion between some of the fillers and GNR. Furthermore, uniform dispersion of the fillers within the composites, without agglomeration, was attained at all loadings including 35 phr (Fig. 5) (SEM’s for lower loadings are not shown).