Evaluation of Porosity for Gamma Irradiated Poly(ethylene oxide): A New Approach Using Microscopic Image Aided with Computer Programming

TL;DR

This paper introduces a novel computer-aided microscopic imaging method to evaluate porosity in gamma-irradiated Poly(ethylene oxide), enabling detailed mapping of pore size and distribution for tailored material properties.

Contribution

The study develops a new image analysis program, PROGIMAGE-POR, capable of analyzing porosity from 2D and 3D images, applicable to complex composite systems.

Findings

Successful mapping of porosity and pore size distribution.

High repeatability demonstrated for monophasic systems.

Potential for application in complex layered materials.

Abstract

Porous polymer films of Poly(ethylene oxide)(PEO) are synthesized by solution casting technique using gamma irradiated: (a) PEO powder (S-series) and (b) PEO - methanol solution (L-series). Pore phase forms instantaneously during preparation. Optimization of the pore content and distribution enables tailoring of associated properties for multifaceted applications. This method could be analyzed for mapping of porosity and average pore size. Practicability and repeatability of the developed programme has been established for monophasic system using backscattered imaging mode of SEM. This program is underdevelopment, but PROGIMAGE-POR bears the novelty of using image from either 2D-or 3D imaging system and could be applied for intricate composite/layered system.