Application of digital image processing to the analysis of two‐phase materials with spherical inclusions

Abstract Digital image processing was used to experimentally determine the two‐dimensional pair distribution function of suspensions of solid spheres (cross‐linked polystyrene spheres in silicone oil) and of composite materials with spherical inclusions (surface‐treated glass spheres in unsaturated polyester resin). An assembly of optical devices and computers was used to obtain and store images of two‐phase materials. Software was developed to analyze the information in the images in order to determine the pair distribution function. The technique developed is simple yet powerful, and with some modification could easily be adapted for the analysis of other multiphase systems.