Determination of ZrO2 distribution in an Al2O3 matrix by digital image analysis and point-pattern analysis

Digital image analysis and point-pattern analysis were applied to the microstructures of Al₂O₃-ZrO₂ composites in order to evaluate and classify the distribution of ZrO₂ particles. Scanning electron microscopy micrographs of Al₂O₃-ZrO₂ microstructures were digitized and processed into binary images. Point-pattern analysis was performed using data for mass centers for each ZrO₂ particle and the calculated distribution functions were compared with defined point-pattern distributions—clustered, random, and ordered. Distribution functions for analyzed samples were classified into random groups with different degrees of homogeneity, arising due to the preparation routine. It was shown that the point-pattern analysis can be used to distinguish between the type of distribution and degree of homogeneity for Al₂O₃ ceramic composites.