Image analysis of PVC / TiO₂ nanocomposites SEM micrographs

Area of Science:

• Materials Science
• Polymer Science
• Nanotechnology

Background:

• Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanocomposites are synthesized using solution casting.
• Controlling the dispersion of TiO2 nanofillers within the PVC matrix is crucial for tailoring material properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and apply an image analysis algorithm for quantifying TiO2 nanofiller dispersion in PVC.
• To establish a correlation between the dispersion characteristics and the properties of PVC/TiO2 nanocomposites.

Main Methods:

• Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) micrographs of PVC/TiO2 nanocomposites were analyzed.
• An algorithm utilizing Otsu's method for global thresholding was developed to assess nanofiller dispersion.
• Background elimination techniques and thresholding were employed to generate molecular region and dispersion maps.
• Particle size distribution histograms were generated.

Main Results:

• The proposed algorithm successfully estimated the qualitative and quantitative dispersion of TiO2 nanofillers.
• Molecular region maps and dispersion maps provided insights into filler distribution.
• Particle size distribution histograms were generated, relating filler population to matrix area.

Conclusions:

• The image analysis methodology effectively characterizes TiO2 nanofiller dispersion in PVC.
• The study provides a foundation for correlating nanofiller dispersion with the resultant properties of PVC/TiO2 nanocomposites.