Discover the world of computed tomography in materials science, where high-resolution 3D reconstructions reveal cracks and voids without destruction. Explore real-time observations of processes like battery degradation and dendrite growth, and learn how 3D diffraction data identifies phase distributions. Join William Harris from Zeiss Microscopy as he showcases the transformative power of computed tomography in reshaping materials science.
Computed tomography allows non-destructive 3D reconstructions of materials for identifying cracks and voids.
X-ray CT provides high-resolution visualization of material structures and processes like battery degradation.
CT technology is vital in studying composites, batteries, and 3D printing processes for material analysis.
Deep dives
X-ray CT Imaging in Material Science Applications
X-ray tomography provides a non-invasive method to analyze the 3D structure of materials. It allows researchers to study internal structures without physically cutting open samples. By rotating objects and capturing images from various angles, a 3D representation of the internal distribution of materials is constructed using computer algorithms. This technique is essential for understanding complex materials and investigating processes like crack growth and failure analysis.
Resolution and Contrast in X-ray CT Imaging
X-ray CT imaging offers spatial resolutions ranging from microns to tens of nanometers depending on the instrument design and setup. The technique leverages attenuation and phase contrast to differentiate materials based on their atomic properties and densities. While attenuation contrast is the primary method used in material science, phase contrast methods are employed when materials exhibit similar attenuation behavior or when low Z elements are involved. The ability to visualize internal structures with high resolution and contrast is invaluable in material analysis.
Applications of X-ray CT in Batteries and Composites
X-ray CT has proven crucial in studying batteries, allowing researchers to examine lithium diffusion, electrode expansion, and failure mechanisms like thermal runaway non-destructively. In composites, X-ray CT reveals complex internal structures, failure modes, and interfacial regions unattainable through traditional methods. Its ability to provide real-time insights into mechanical strain, damage, and composite properties offers a significant advantage in material science research and development.
Applications of X-ray and Ultrasound Imaging in Material Science
X-ray and ultrasound imaging are complementary techniques in material science, offering unique insights into different aspects of materials. X-ray imaging is especially valuable for understanding fundamental structures at a microscopic level, such as cracks, voids, and individual fibers, aiding in the comprehension of phenomena like delamination. On the other hand, ultrasound imaging is effective in detecting issues like delamination in composites. These techniques, when used together, enhance research-level understanding of material behavior.
Advancements in 3D Printing and CT Technology
Computed tomography (CT) technology has found numerous applications in 3D printing, particularly in laser bed printing. CT scans help diagnose printing parameters, identify flaws before production, and conduct research on improving part quality. In laser powder bed-based methods, where objects are created layer by layer, CT plays a crucial role in detecting deviations from the intended CAD model, such as deformations due to local heating effects or residual stresses. By using CT, researchers can analyze shrinkage, pore distribution, and surface roughness to optimize printing parameters for enhanced material quality.
Examining the inside of a material is often a destructive process that risks obscuring or deforming critical details. However, advances in computed tomography have opened new opportunities to obtain high resolution, three-dimensional reconstructions of materials in a non-destructive manner. Through this technique materials scientists can now identify cracks and voids in materials without the need for mounting and polishing, observe processes like battery degradation and dendrite growth in real time, and even obtain 3D diffraction data for identifying phase distributions in a material. In covering this fascinating topic, we are joined by William Harris from Zeiss Microscopy who shares his expertise as he walks us through the many ways computed tomography is reshaping materials science.
Villarraga-Gómez et al. Assessing rechargeable batteries with 3D X-ray microscopy, computed tomography [LINK]
Finegan et al. Investigating lithium-ion battery materials during overcharge-induced thermal runaway [LINK]
XinChen et al. Interlaminar to intralaminar mode I and II crack bifurcation due to aligned carbon nanotube reinforcement of aerospace-grade advanced composites [LINK]
Plessis et al. Effects of defects on mechanical properties in metal additive manufacturing: A review focusing on X-ray tomography insights [LINK]
Refuting a 70-Year Approach to Predicting Material Microstructure [LINK]
Johnson et al. Analysis of the interdependent relationship between porosity, deformation, and crack growth during compression loading of LPBF AlSi10Mg [LINK]
Badran et al. Automated segmentation of computed tomography images of fiber-reinforced composites by deep learning [LINK]
Villarraga-Gómez et al. Improving throughput and image quality of high-resolution 3D X-ray microscopes using deep learning reconstruction techniques [LINK]
This episode is sponsored by Zeiss Microscopy. With over 175 years of innovation in microscopy, ZEISS is proud to offer an extensive suite of optical, 3D X-ray, SEM, and FIB-SEM microscopes to help scientists and engineers understand their materials. Every ZEISS microscope comes with the commitment of providing the highest quality instrument, deep application expertise, and a robust global support network. You can learn more about their work and services by visiting their website.
The Materialism Podcast is sponsored by Cal Nano, leading experts in spark plasma sintering and cryomilling technologies. You can learn more about their work and services by visiting their website.
This Materialism Podcast is also sponsored by Materials Today, an Elsevier community dedicated to the creation and sharing of materials science knowledge and experience through their peer-reviewed journals, academic conferences, educational webinars, and more.
Thanks to Kolobyte and Alphabot for letting us use their music in the show!
If you have questions or feedback please send us emails at materialism.podcast@gmail.com or connect with us on social media: Instagram, Twitter.
Materialism Team: Taylor Sparks (co-host, co-creator), Andrew Falkowski (co-host, co-creator), Jared Duffy (production, marketing, and editing).
Keywords: Xray Tomography Computed Zeiss CT Materials Research Microstructure
Remember Everything You Learn from Podcasts
Save insights instantly, chat with episodes, and build lasting knowledge - all powered by AI.
