Computer-aided image analysis for studying the morphology of multiphase polymer blends

An interactive method of the image processing and quantitative analysis for studying the phase structure of polymer blends and other systems with the aid of a scanner and a PC is proposed. Graphic dot files, obtained by scann ing high-quality contrast photomicrographs of the objects containing no art ifacts and foreign inclusions, were processed in a routine automatic regime , whereas low-contrast images characterized by an optical wedge, artifacts, and other defects were processed by operator. In particular, the identific ation of visually similar image areas belonging to the particles of dispers ed phase and the matrix is a semi-automatic procedure. The computer-aided i mage analysis provides quantitative information on the standard morphologic al parameters such as the size distribution and the shape of particles of t he dispersed phase. specific interfacial area, dispersion, etc. The techniq ue proposed is applicable to multiphase heterogeneous systems; it offers a simple and universal method that can be realized virtually in any laborator y.