Image Analyses for Porosity Characterization of Porcelain Tiles with Different Thickness

Abstract

The physical properties of materials provide some of the most fundamental information regarding the material characterization. Porosity is one of the physical properties which affects the unit density, water absorption, strength, heat and sound insulation of materials. In this study, porcelain tiles with different thickness were sintered at same temperature, after that the cross-section of tiles were inspected with Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM). The porosity percentage and pore size of tiles from SEM images was calculated by using Scandium Image Analysis software. The aspect ratio of pores analyzed using Fiji Image Analyses Program. The minimum porosity percentage was achieved at average thickness. These porosity results were compared with total porosity percentage measured with He pycnometer. The highest percent of spherical pore (aspect ratio equals to 1) was found at the highest thickness but the smallest pore percentage found at the lowest thickness. It was found that the image analysis programs were effective tools for material characterization.