Micro-CT in Composites

CFRP Bend Test

X-ray micro-computed tomography (μCT) is
an advanced technique that gives you 3D insights into samples of any material, in any shape or size with little to no sample preparation.

The Bruker SkyScan range includes scanners for every facility – from desktop, automated systems that scan at the press of a button to floor-standing, multi-scale micro- and nano-CT instruments.

Right: CFRP (Carbon Fibre Reinforced Polymer) after a bend test.

Generate 3D images with resolutions down to < 1 µm

Applications

Micro-CT (also referred to as XRM or X-Ray Microscopy) is used in areas such as:

3D internal imaging

  • Resolve fine structures with voxel sizes down to 0.35 μm
  • Completely non-destructive
  • Take virtual cuts, slices and even flights through your object

Analyse structure and composition

  • Microstructural composition
  • Architecture
  • Porosity
  • Quantify defects
  • Fibre thickness and orientation
CFRP scanned with micro-CT
CFRP (Carbon-Fibre Reinforced Polymer) colour-coded by local fibre orientation. Taken with the Bruker SkyScan 2214.
GFRP
GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) scanned with the Bruker SkyScan 1275 (click to enlarge)
Steel fibres in concrete
Steel fibres in concrete (click to enlarge)

Micro_CT Image of Fibre-Reinforced Composite
Fibre-reinforced composite

PPE Face Mask

Micro-CT scan of a small piece of an FFP2 face mask (click to enlarge). It’s colour-coded to show fibre orientation, which affects the air permeability, water diffusion and bending rigidity of the mask. More about scanning grains, particles and fibres…

Face Mask - Micro-CT
PPE Face Mask Scanned with Micro-CT


Scanning with the Bruker SkyScan 2214 multiscale nano-CT

Multiscale scanning of GFRP (Glass Fibre Reinforced Polymer) scanned with the Bruker SkyScan 1272.
Left: 21 µm voxel size; Right: 2 µm voxel size.

Material Testing Stage

In-Situ Stages for Dynamic Experiments

Observe your samples under compression and tensile tests, as well as cooling and heating.

More info…


Micro-CT scan of glass
Glass fibre reinforced nylon, with the corner virtually removed. Taken with the Bruker SkyScan 1275 self-optimising scanner.

XRM Instruments

Blue Scientific is the official distributor of Bruker SkyScan XRM in the UK, Norway, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Iceland.

Bruker SkyScan 1275 Micro-CT

Bruker SkyScan 1275

Fast, self-optimising benchtop scanner. High quality scans at the press of a button.

More info…

Bruker Skyscan 1272

Bruker SkyScan 1272

Sub-micron resolution from a benchtop system. World’s first scanner with >200Mp in each cross-section.

More info…

Bruker SkyScan 2214

Bruker SkyScan 2214

Multi-scale nano-CT for the widest range of object sizes/ resolutions.

More info…