Particle Shape Distribution and Particle Size–Shape Dispersion Diagram

Abstract

The present study offers a new concept in the characterisation of particle shape distribution. Metallic powders were used for investigating the shape and size distributions. A law expressing particle shape distribution was introduced and compared in its agreement with experimental data to a law previously presented by Tsubaki. Both the shape and size distributions of all samples were quantified consistently by the present law and a compounded log normal distribution law, respectively. This study was extended further to the construction of a two dimensional dispersion diagram between particle size and shape using a statistical method. The results are summarised as follows: (i) particle shape distributions, recognised in powders as well as size distributions, can be expressed by the introduced law; (ii) size distributions of the samples, having one or two peaks in the frequency curve, can be characterised using a compounded log normal distribution law; (iii) dispersional conditions between particle size and shape can be computed in terms of three individual pieces of information, i.e. particle size distribution, shape distribution, and the correlation coefficient between these; (iv) the particle size-shape dispersion diagram is a new concept in powder properties and provides a new means of interpretation of the characteristic behaviour which each powder has. PM/0518