Geo-Material Characterization Using Digital Micrograph Analysis

The digital image analysis and quantitative procedures for characterizing a geo-material based insulation medium is described in this paper. The objective of the study presented in this paper was to evaluate the arrangement and distribution of macro-voids and micro-voids within the insulation material consisting of Kaolinite, Portland cement, and proprietary admixtures and foaming agents. High contrast digital electron micrographs were acquired using Scanning Electron Microscope at appropriate magnifications. The binary images were acquired using a grey-scale pixel threshold based on a single bin region. The binary images were filtered using custom developed macros, and analyzed to determine the void or pore characteristics. The quantitative representation of pore area distribution, along with the aspects associated with repeatability are presented.