Techniques and instrumentation for studying foam with micro-CT (X-ray µCT):
- Analyse the internal structure in 3D
- Realistic visualisations
- Map morphometric parameters
- In-situ stages for dynamic mechanical testing
Blue Scientific is the official distributor for Bruker Micro-CT in the Nordic region (Norway, Sweden, Denmark, Finland, Iceland). For more information or quotes, please get in touch.
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Micro-CT: 3D Internal Imaging
A key benefit of micro-CT is it’s non-destructive nature. You can image the internal structure of your material in 3D, without damaging or affecting the sample. The volume is reconstructed virtually on your PC, with all internal details presented at high resolution. Take virtual slices and even flights through the sample, and examine the structure at any location you choose, along different planes.
Structural Analysis
With image processing tools in the software, you can study the foam’s internal morphometry, including:
- Porosity
- Average thickness
- Thickness distribution
Structural thickness or separation is measured by placing a virtual sphere in every space with a maximum diameter that fills the sphere. This information on local 3D morphometric parameters is then used to create a visual map showing the distribution of spatial intensities.
Reconstructions and Data Mapping
Once the sample has been scanned, realistic models are generated for visualisation and you can take virtual flights through the material. These can be exported as videos, showing the view around and inside the foam.
As well as realistic models, you can also create maps (like the one above) to display morphometric data, with colour coding to illustrate the local distribution of data. These are highly visual, adding impact to presentations of your results, as well as making it easier to visualise and understand your data.
These maps can include multiple datasets if required. For example, the image below shows the reconstruction of the foam together with colour-coded structure separation, to highlight pore network size distribution.
In-Situ Testing
You can perform dynamic mechanical experiments inside the scanner, with specially designed in-situ stages:
- Compression testing
- Tensile testing
- Temperature variation
This enables you to study correlation between the foam’s structure and mechanical properties.
The example below is an in-situ compression test of open-cell aluminium foam, using Bruker’s Material Testing Stage and a 440 N load cell. Controlled compression was applied to the both ends of the foam. Throughout the test, the loading curve is displayed on screen in real time.
Stages are available for mechanical testing up to 4.4 kN. In-situ temperature control is available from 40°C below ambient, to +85°C.
[mini-icon icon=”arrow-right”] More about in-situ testing…
Fast Scans & Automation
Data can be acquired in less than 1 minute. Even at this speed, a huge amount of detailed structural information is acquired, as shown in the example below (scanned in just 57 seconds).
With automated micro-CT, parameters are optimised automatically so you can scan at the press of a single button. These routines include the full workflow of scanning, reconstruction and analysis. This means that micro-CT can be used quickly and easily by non-specialists – for example in quality control.
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Instrumentation
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Bruker SkyScan 1272
High resolution benchtop micro-CT:
- 11 or 16 Mpx large area CCD camera
- Down to 0.35 µm pixel size
- Up to 200 Mpx in every slice
- InstaRecon: the world’s fastest reconstruction algorithm
- 16 position sample changer
[mini-icon icon=”arrow-right”] More info…
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Bruker SkyScan 1275
Self-optimising automated micro-CT:
- Down to 4 µm pixel size
- Automated, push-button routines
- Sample size up to: 96mm diameter x 200mm high
- Licensed exact spiral reconstruction
- 16 position sample changer
[mini-icon icon=”arrow-right”] More info…
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In-Situ Stages
- Compression up to 4400 N
- Tensile up to 440 N
- Cooling down to 40°C below ambient
- Heating up to 85°C
[mini-icon icon=”arrow-right”] More info…
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Further Information
Blue Scientific is the official UK and Nordic distributor for Bruker Micro-CT. If you have any questions or if you’d like a quote, please get in touch.
This post is based on information from a brochure from Bruker; Please get in touch if you’d like a pdf copy.
