Characterizing the Structure of Abrasive Fineparticles

Abstract

A new computer‐aided image analysis procedure for characterizing the number and sharpness of potential cutting facets on the profiles of the image of an abrasive fineparticle is described. In the method, the digitized profile is explored by a running chord generating procedure which generates what is described as the facet signature of the profile. This signature can be processed at different threshold levels to recognize facets of the profile having different levels of sharpness as defined by the acute angle of the facet. Several different ways in which data from the procedure could be used to describe a population of polishing powder fineparticles are outlined. The potential use of the new descriptive characterization procedures for following the physical changes in the powder corresponding to the degeneration in performance of a polishing powder during use is outlined. The possible use of the new methodology to describe the health hazards of angular shaped dust fineparticles and flake type fillers (such as mica) in composite material technology is outlined.

Morphometry and Classification of Powder Particles Using the Radon Transform

“…For example: Kaye et a1. [17] have developed a method in which the facet signature of ®ne particles is calculated. Using the method, the facet signature of the pro®le is based upon the changes in chord length generated by an equispaced digitized exploration of the pro®le.…”

Domain Plotting as a Technique for Summarizing Fineparticle Shape, Texture and Size Information

“…Distribution functions for the length of the profiles, the breadth of the profiles and the aspect ratio are shown. However, the physical significance of the break of the line in such a curve is not immediately apparent by inspecting the distribution function [6]. Again, when presenting information on the fractal dimensions of an array of fineparticles, distribution functions of the occurrence of given values have been used.…”

Pseudo-3D Shape Description for Facetted Materials

“…At best these silhouettes allow for a 2D description of the particle shape. A number of 2D descriptors have been proposed: dynamic shape factors for macroscopic shape [2], angle distribution [2,3], analysis of signature, either direct or by application of fast Fourier transformation [4], Fourier descriptors [5], fractal dimension [2] and application of mathematical morphology concepts [6,7]. Although 2D characterization may be sufficient, in many cases a 3D description would be useful.…”

“…Although valuable, as this technique gives an insight into the particle, it is expensive and slow when one wants to examine a statistically valid number of particles. Series of images of a single object taken from different angles of view provide a series of 2D descriptors [2]. However, again, this is a time-consuming task owing to the rotation of the object.…”