X-ray micro-computed tomography of beech wood and biomorphic C, SiC and Al/SiC composites

• Published in: Philosophical magazine (Abingdon, England) Vol. 89; no. 17; pp. 1373 - 1389
• Main Authors: Wilkes, T.E., Stock, S.R., De Carlo, F., Xiao, X., Faber, K.T.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Abingdon Taylor & Francis Group 11.06.2009; Taylor & Francis
• Subjects: composite; Cross-disciplinary physics: materials science; rheology; Exact sciences and technology; Materials science; Other materials; Physics; silicone carbide; Specific materials; synchrotron; wood; X-ray micro-computed tomography; Scanning electron microscopy; Data analysis; Beech trees; Nondestructive analysis; Nondestructive testing; Aluminium; Carbon; Computerized tomography; Data evaluation; Silicon carbide; Composite materials; Dimensional analysis; Imaging; Topography; Porosity; Microstructure; Synchrotron radiation; Two dimensional technique
• ISSN: 1478-6435; 1478-6443
• DOI: 10.1080/14786430902956457

The microstructures of beech wood and of beech wood-derived carbon, silicon carbide (SiC), and an aluminum/SiC composite were studied using both scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and synchrotron X-ray micro-computed tomography (µCT). As opposed to traditional two-dimensional imaging techniques, the µCT data allowed nondestructive evaluation of relatively large sample volumes. Nondestructive three-dimensional data analysis led to the observation of microstructural features, such as varying pore-wall topographies not previously seen in SEM, calculations of the volume fraction of porosity and characterization of the interconnectivity of porosity in the SiC material.