A simple tool for two-dimensional quantification of filler dispersion: A proposal

An effective filler dispersion within a polymeric matrix is known to be a crucial requirement for obtaining the desired performance from a composite. A quantification of this parameter cannot be always easily achieved and several methodologies have been proposed so far, generally based on complex image processing algorithms. However, no standard has been established yet.

In order to contribute to the quantitative evaluation of the filler dispersion in a polymeric matrix, a novel straightforward two-dimensional alternative method based on the analysis of electron microscopy micrographs is here proposed. Several case studies were considered to test the reliability of the approach, providing as resulting output, either a qualitative polar plot representative of the analyzed image and an index to measure the filler dispersion.