Application of computer-aided analysis of an image for assessment of reinforced polymers structures

The images of microstructures of polymer composites: polyamide 6 (PA 6) and polyacetal (POM) reinforced with glass fiber as well as polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) filled with bronze (CuSn) powder were the subjects of computer-aided analyses. The computer method used based on quantitative evaluation of composite microstructure as a result of the following parameters' determinations: filler part, dimensions and positions of rectangles described onto the particles (Fig. 1a), the longest chords of particles (Fig. 1b) and average surfaces of zones of influence (Fig. 1c). The proposed way of analysis has been applied to evaluate the effects of mechanical interactions on the microstructures of composites investigated. These interactions were as follows: POM samples (Fig. 4 and 5) and PA 6 samples (Fig. 6) were subjected to dynamic tensile stress while PTFE samples were subjected to dynamic and static compressive stress (Fig. 3). It was found, between others, that long-lasting fatigue load causes increase in average number of filler particles. The method discussed allows evaluating quantitatively the areas of brittle cracking.