Analysis on HAF carbon black influence in rubber plastic blends using image processing techniques.

Digital image processing is useful in analysing the images obtained through Transmission electron microscopy, TEM in verifying the morphology of polymer composite structures. In the proposed paper, digital image processing method is utilized for analysing the influence of High Abrasive Furnace (HAF) carbon black on Natural Rubber (NR) – Low density polyethylene (LDPE) composites. The filler distribution and dispersion in the rubber and plastic phase will give insight to the material behaviour in the real time applications. The image processing techniques can be utilised to distinguish the various components in the heterogeneous polymer composites. In this work image processing techniques are used to identify the constituent components and its properties. Susan filter groups the homogeneous regions thereby highlighting the LDPE-HAF region. Susan filtering on a contrast enhanced image using Selective gray level grouping(S-GLG) differentiates the highly concentrated and lightly concentrated component regions. The HAF filler is localised in the LDPE matrix, whereas it indicates better dispersion and distribution in NR matrix. The high and low concentration contours obtained through contrast enhancement represents significant information on material characteristics. It is clearly visible from contour images that the size of the LDPE-HAF zone shrinks on addition of more HAF. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]