A model-based analysis of particle size distributions in composite materials Original Research Article

The analysis of particle size distribution is of prime importance for obtaining a better understanding of the relationship between the microstructure and the physical behaviour of particulate reinforced composite. Particle size analysis in composite materials has mostly been based on the use of sample moments. The drawback of this approach is its dependence on the unverified assumption of normality of the particle size distribution. The main purpose of this paper is to suggest the use of the log-skew-Laplace model in the routine of particle size analysis in particulate reinforced composite materials. The model is compared to the contender log-normal in 37 samples of an aluminium-silicon-carbide composite material. Goodness of fit procedures show that the log-skew-Laplace model provides a better representation of the particle size distribution than the log-normal model.