Fibre Diameter and Morphology Measurement
topic
Mineral fibre diameter is measured by optical microscopy with calibrated eyepiece graticule for fibres above 5 micrometres, scanning electron microscopy for submicron fibres with calibrated image analysis, and laser diffraction for diameter distribution of discontinuous fibre populations; cross-section shape characterisation by SEM and TEM reveals non-circular fibre geometries and core-shell structures in specialty fibres.
Role
Provides the fibre geometry data essential for calculating fibre volume fraction in composites, predicting composite mechanical properties from fibre mechanical properties and fibre architecture, assessing process consistency in fibre drawing operations, and satisfying regulatory fibre dimension requirements for WHO respirable fibre classification and biopersistence assessment protocols.