Pattern recognition problems in the study of carbon black

This paper reviews certain pattern recognition problems associated with the study of carbon black. Two methods are described in which various properties are estimated by visual comparison with two-way charts. For studying fused aggregates, a new method of shape characterization has been developed, which should be of quite general utility. This method is based on representation of the silhouette of the aggregate as an ellipse with equivalent radii of gyration. Computer simulation is used to provide realistic models of aggregates, from which a relation is derived between the projected area of the silhouette (relative to that of a particle) and the volume of the aggregate. Automated methods are discussed for the determination of mean aggregate size and certain particle size parameters.