Cell Size Measurement of Polymeric Foams

Abstract

Micrographs of cell structure were analysed by three different techniques to determine apparent mean cell size and the apparent cell size distribution. Excellent agreement for mean cell size was established between image analysis and a more simple counting technique based on a modified version of standard ASTM and British Standard methods. It was concluded that rapid accurate determination of apparent cell size was more readily obtained by the modified counting method. Characterisation of cell size distribution was most accurately performed using an image analysis technique. However, a modified method [TGA 10(11)] provided a more efficient and cost effective method where general trends are required and absolute results are not essential.