title: New characterization method for pore and packing structure in powder compacts using confocal laser scanning microscope.
abstract: The internal structure of powder assemble was observed by a confocal laser scanning microscope and the results were compared with those of other conventional methods. Two kinds of specimens were examined in this paper: powder compacts from alumina granules and set plaster of gypsum. The structure was sensitive to humidity during pressing of the granule compact of alumina containing polyvinyl alcohol as a binder. Narrow interstices were noted along the boundaries of granules in low humidity. However, uniform internal structure was noted in high humidity. The origin of the difference of packing structure was attributed to the change of binder characteristics with humidity. Interstices were formed in low humidity due to poor adhesion of binder and spring back after pressure removal. The superior capability of the present characterization technique can distinguish a minor difference of internal structure successfully.
authors.affiliation: Department of Chemistry, Nagaoka University of Technology, Niigata, Japan. saitoo@stn.nagaokaut.ac.jp
authors.forename: Yutaka
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Saito
authors.forename: Satoshi
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Tanaka
authors.forename: Nozomu
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Uchida
authors.forename: Keizo
authors.initials: K
authors.lastname: Uematsu