Quantitative determination of scratch-induced damage visibility on polymer surfaces

A new methodology to quantify scratch-induced damage visibility on polymer surfaces is proposed. The color image analysis using a hue–saturation–intensity (HSI) color space combination provides satisfactory results in quantifying scratch visibility and in monitoring surface damage features along the scratch path. The effectiveness of the HSI color image analysis methodology is validated via comparison of the results from a model of polypropylene blend using three linearly increasing normal load conditions. The scratch damage transitions are correlated with the HSI color transitions and show good agreement. Implication of the present finding for the evaluation of scratch visibility resistance of polymers is discussed.