It is not possible to directly find the membrane porosity using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) images alone. SEM images provide surface morphology and topography information of the membrane but do not directly measure the porosity or pore size distribution.
However, SEM images can be used to indirectly estimate the membrane porosity by measuring the pore sizes and calculating the pore size distribution. To do this, the SEM images of the membrane can be analyzed using image processing software to measure the sizes of the pores and their distribution. This data can then be used to estimate the porosity of the membrane using established equations and models.
One popular method for estimating the porosity of a membrane using SEM images is the bubble point method. In this method, a known pressure is applied to one side of the membrane, and the pressure at which the first bubble appears on the other side of the membrane is recorded. The pressure at the bubble point is related to the pore size distribution and can be used to estimate the porosity of the membrane.
In summary, while SEM images alone cannot directly measure the membrane porosity, they can be used in combination with image processing software and established models to estimate the porosity and pore size distribution. Additional methods, such as the bubble point method, may also be used to validate the porosity estimates.