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Void assessment of thermoplastic composites using contrasting agent assisted µ-computer tomography
The objective of this thesis is to investigate the potential of micro-computer tomography (µ-ct) to assess the void content of high performance thermoplastic composites.
Thermoplastic pultrusion is one of the most promising manufacturing techniques for high quality, high performance composites at a competitive cost. In this joint research project with the Swiss industry, a novel pultrusion concept has been developed at CMASLab.
To reliably determine the quality of the manufactured composite profiles, an accurate void content determination is crucial for the development of the process.
The currently employed techniques of microscopy (right picture), dye penetration and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) only allow the examination of the surface. The µ-ct method permits the creation of 3D model of the reinforcing fibre structure (left picture). Unfortunately, the resolution and contrast between voids and polymer matrix is currently not sufficient to accurately identify very small voids.
Thermoplastic pultrusion is one of the most promising manufacturing techniques for high quality, high performance composites at a competitive cost. In this joint research project with the Swiss industry, a novel pultrusion concept has been developed at CMASLab. To reliably determine the quality of the manufactured composite profiles, an accurate void content determination is crucial for the development of the process. The currently employed techniques of microscopy (right picture), dye penetration and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) only allow the examination of the surface. The µ-ct method permits the creation of 3D model of the reinforcing fibre structure (left picture). Unfortunately, the resolution and contrast between voids and polymer matrix is currently not sufficient to accurately identify very small voids.
To increase the performance of the µ-ct void characterization technique, different contrasting agents and tomography parameters will be investigated to achieve the optimum resolution and contrast distribution for the determination of voids in the composite. To combine the µ-ct investigation with traditional characterization methods, the contrasting agent can be mixed with fluorescent dies to compare the µ-ct results with reflected light and fluorescence microscopy.
Tasks:
-Literature review of contrasting agents for µ-ct applications
-Manufacturing of thermoplastic composite rod samples for void assessment
-Development of suitable contrasting agents for µ-ct application and optical characterization methods
The content as well as starting dates can be discussed to suit a Master, Semester or Bachelor thesis as well as the personal interests of the student.
To increase the performance of the µ-ct void characterization technique, different contrasting agents and tomography parameters will be investigated to achieve the optimum resolution and contrast distribution for the determination of voids in the composite. To combine the µ-ct investigation with traditional characterization methods, the contrasting agent can be mixed with fluorescent dies to compare the µ-ct results with reflected light and fluorescence microscopy.
Tasks:
-Literature review of contrasting agents for µ-ct applications
-Manufacturing of thermoplastic composite rod samples for void assessment
-Development of suitable contrasting agents for µ-ct application and optical characterization methods
The content as well as starting dates can be discussed to suit a Master, Semester or Bachelor thesis as well as the personal interests of the student.
Maximilian Volk
LEE O 224, ETH Zürich
mvolk@ethz.ch
0041446326548