Determination of a homogeneity factor for composite materials by a microstructural image analysis method

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Composite Materials Engineering
• Microstructural Analysis

Background:

• Particle distribution significantly influences the physical properties of particle-reinforced composites.
• Quantifying particle distribution homogeneity is crucial for material performance prediction.
• Existing methods may lack accuracy or efficiency in assessing microstructural homogeneity.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop a novel microstructural image analysis method for quantifying particle distribution.
• To introduce a new distribution (D) index based on free-path spacing for assessing homogeneity.
• To validate the proposed method on digital and actual composite microstructures.

Main Methods:

• Development of a microstructural image analysis technique.
• Measurement of free-path spacing between particles.
• Calculation of the distribution (D) index using the coefficient of variation.

Main Results:

• The distribution (D) index ranged from 0.00 to 0.67 for reference patterns, correlating with homogeneity levels.
• A higher D index was found to correspond to poorer particle distribution (lower homogeneity).
• The method successfully classified homogeneity levels in binary composites and actual ceramic-matrix composites.

Conclusions:

• The proposed distribution (D) index is an accurate and efficient tool for quantifying particle distribution in composites.
• This method can be effectively applied to various composite microstructures, including ceramic-matrix composites.
• The developed technique aids in understanding and controlling microstructural homogeneity for optimized material properties.