Determination of pore size parameters and its distribution of hydroentangled fabrics by image processing

Abstract

Some of structural parameters of nonwovens are difficult to quantify. The pores size distribution (PSD) is one of these parameters. The filtration performance of a geotextile is controlled by its pore opening size distribution PSD. Current methods for determining PSD are mostly indirect and contain inherent disadvantages. Recent technological advancements in image analysis offer great potential for a more accurate and direct way of determining the PSD of nonwoven geotextiles. A new and accurate method of image analysis for PSD determination of nonwoven geotextiles is presented in this paper. This method is an efficient and reliable method for determining the PSD and pore size parameters. This method is based on the image analysis. We have used seed growth algorithm for determining the pore size distribution and applied the method to hydroentangled nonwoven fabrics. PSD allows a better understanding of filtration and fluid transportation phenomena through the porous nonwoven fabrics.