Measuring the Thickness of Fiber Mats Using Light Transmittance via Image Processing

Abstract

Fiber materials possess unique properties, including a large active surface area, high surface-to-volume ratio, high porosity, high mechanical performance, and low density. Consequently, they serve as key components in various applications such as energy production and storage cells, batteries, wastewater treatment membranes, sensors, drug-releasing band-aids, and protective clothing. Electrospinning is a simple and versatile method for producing fiber materials. Despite its simplicity in terms of working principles, it faces challenges in achieving homogeneous thickness (evenly on the entire surface) throughout fiber mats due to inherent bending instability during the process. Non-uniform thickness not only diminishes the efficiency of these mats in applications but also adversely impacts their mechanical functionality. In this study, the aim is to develop a thickness measurement system based on image processing and the principle of light transmittance as a solution to the issues encountered in achieving uniform thickness and thickness control of fiber mats produced by electrospinning devices. To accomplish this, a closed mechanism with a light-impermeable encapsulation method was established. Various fiber mats, produced at different times were placed on the acetate floor built on LED lighting on the base of the mechanism. Using a camera with the adjusted settings positioned at the focal point on top of the mechanism, images of the fiber mats were captured, and image processing techniques were employed to determine threshold value ranges for the mat thicknesses. The actual thicknesses of the fiber mats were verified using an optical microscope, revealing that regions defined with the same color in different samples exhibited similar thicknesses.