Study of LCE nanocomposites through electron microscopy

Electron microscopy was used to study previously sintered nanocomposites featuring dispersed carbon nanotubes by liquid crystal polymer dispersion and further cross-linking into liquid crystal elastomers, which resulted in a thermo-mechanical actuator. The suitability of conventional scanning electron microscopy techniques with varying coating conditions revealed the development of local charging effects, although enough latitude was granted for imaging at high vacuum modes, with differentiating contrast of the filler in the matrix. Carbon coating did contribute to charge management, although the composite might have been thermo-mechanically activated during deposition. Further, effects from focus ion beam thinning and contrast in transmission electron microscopy are discussed.