Application of image analysis for characterization of powders

Abstract

A number of currently developed and produced modern multi-functional materials are to a large extent based on the use of powders. Powders with precisely characterized size, size distribution, shape and surface are used directly (e.g. catalysis) or to fabricate novel ceramics, metals and composites. Description of morphology of powders, both in micro- and nano-scale, could be obtained by the means of modern stereological methods supported by computerized image analysis. These methods can be used to describe size, shape, surface t opography for both the aggregates and agglomerates and single crystallites. Stereological methods supported by computerized image analysis of high-resolution electron microscope images are becoming an important tool of modern powder-related materials science. The present work demonstrates the possibility of using such methods in determining the basic stereological parameters characterizing the morphology of the ceramic powders in micro- and nano-scale.