Shape Estimation of Anisometric Particles Using Size Measurement Techniques

This study was conducted to establish a simple method for evaluating the morphology of fine anisometric particles using size measurement techniques. The size distributions of mica particles and carbon fibers classified into narrower size ranges were measured by gravitational sedimentation and laser diffraction techniques. The ratio of mean diameters determined for flaky particles strongly depended on the aspect ratio, i.e. flatness. The relationship between particle shape and diameter is discussed theoretically. The experimental results were similar to those predicted. The flatness of fine particles can be evaluated by the ratio of the median diameter determined by laser diffraction to that determined by sedimentation.