Pore structure analysis of exfoliated graphite using image processing of scanning electron micrographs Original Research Article

Pore structure, distributions of area, length of major and minor axes, and aspect ratio of ellipsoidal pores, were examined on four exfoliated graphite samples, two being industrial samples and two laboratory-made ones, from a large number of scanning electron micrographs of fractured cross-sections of their worm-like particles by using image processing. The procedure to obtain fractured cross-section of exfoliated graphite particles was established. Two industrial samples showed distinct differences in distribution of pore area and also in those of the major and minor axis lengths. From laboratory samples, extending the residence time from 20 to 60 s at 1000°C made little effect on pore structure, with only a small increase in pore size. No difference in the distribution of aspect ratio was observed among the four samples.