Advances in shape measurement in the digital world

• The effect of particle shape on the behaviour of powders is illustrated with examples.
• The measurement, description and application of particle shape have experienced a great leap forward.
• This review traces the development of these new techniques, and presents a future perspective.

The importance of particle shape in terms of its effects on the behaviour of powders and other particulate systems has long been recognised, but particle shape information has been rather difficult to obtain and use until fairly recently, unlike its better-known counterpart, particle size. However, advances in computing power and 3D image acquisition and analysis techniques have resulted in major progress being made in the measurement, description and application of particle shape information in recent years. Because we are now in a digital era, it is fitting that many of these advanced techniques are based on digital technology. This review article aims to trace the development of these new techniques, highlight their contributions to both academic and practical applications, and present a perspective for future developments.

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