3D pore structure characterisation of paper

Pore structure characterisation of paper, using automated image analysis methods, has previously been performed in two-dimensional images. Three dimensional (3D) images have become available and thereby new representations and corresponding measurements are needed for 3D pore structure characterisation. In this article, we present a new pore structure representation, the individual pore-based skeleton, and new quantitative measurements for individual pores in 3D, such as surface area, orientation, anisotropy, and size distributions. We also present measurements for network relations, like tortuosity and connectivity. The data used to illustrate the pore structure representations and corresponding measurements are high resolution X-ray microtomography volume images of a layered duplex board imaged at the European Synchrotron Radiation Facility (ESRF). Quantification of the pore structure is exemplified and the results show that differences in pore structure between the layers in the cardboard can be characterised using the presented methods.