Fibre Analysis Capabilities added in new software for Particle Characterisation System

Malvern Instruments has introduced new software for the Morphologi G3 particle characterisation system, extending the instrument’s capabilities to include the detailed measurement of fibres. The Morphologi G3 measures the size and shape of particles by image analysis and the new software function delivers accurate measurement of fibre-specific parameters, including fibre total length, fibre width, fibre straightness and fibre elongation.

Many manufactured materials and intermediates are fibrous in nature, including insulation products, reinforcing materials, textiles and of course carbon fibre. Each has its own unique properties and a detailed understanding of the individual properties is essential from R&D through to manufacturing and quality control.

When measuring curved or branched fibres by image analysis, traditional calliper-based measurements of particle length and width often fail to deliver all the information needed to fully determine the fibre particle properties. Fibre total length and fibre width measurements, now available with the Morphologi G3, often prove to be more valuable parameters. The system also calculates fibre straightness and fibre elongation, adding further detail into understanding a fibre’s characteristics.

Full details of the measurement techniques employed, how the fibre parameters are calculated using the Morphologi G3, and a comparison with traditional calliper-based measurements, are described in a freely downloadable application note ‘Measuring the length and width of fibres on the Morphologi G3’. www.malvern.com/measuring-fibers-morphologi-g3.