Use of 2D image analysis method for measurement of short fibers orientation in polymer composites

Abstract

The study and determining of fibre-orientation with a two-dimensional (2D) image analysis of cross-sections is a fast and efficient way to get the fibre orientation distribution over a wide specimen area. There are several techniques for measuring fiber-orientation; however, the present study is based on a technique for the sake of obtaining better results. In this work, we utilize second moments technique to determine fibre orientation state by the use of a Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) images. In order to determine the fiber-orientation state, a second order orientation tensor is employed. A thermoplastic matrix containing 5, 10, 15, 20, 25 and 30% by weight of hemp fiber is molded using an injection molding machine to obtain dumbbell samples. The orientation tensor is determined by employing geometric parameters of fibers on cross-sections.The geometric parameters are calculated by using image analysis, which employs a computational code especially developed to obtain a tensor components.