CHARACTERIZING THE STRUCTURE OF ABRASIVE FINE PARTICLES

A new computer-aided image analysis procedure for characterizing the number and sharpness of potential cutting facets on the profiles of the image of an abrasive fineparticle is described. In the method, the digitized profile is explored by a running chord generating procedure which generates what is described as the facet signature of the profile. This signature can be processed at different threshold levels to recognize facets of the profile having different levels of sharpness as defined by the acute angle of the facet. Several different ways in which data from the procedure could be used to describe a population of polishing powder fineparticles are outlined. The potential use of the new descriptive characterization procedures for following the physical changes in the powder corresponding to the degeneration in performance of a polishing powder during use is outlined. The possible use of the new methodology to describe the health hazards of angular shaped dust fineparticles and flake type fillers (such as mica) in composite material technology is outlined.