Materials testing and material analysis

Technical data:

• 240-kV microfocus and 225-kV high-power X-ray tube
• 4MP detectors
• Samples: Maximum diameter 500 mm, maximum height 400 mm, maximum weight 25 kg
• In-situ-stage for 4-point bending tests
• Z-shaft for further in-situ set-ups (e.g. fluids, pressure, etc.)
• Scan volume depends on recording mode:
• 500 mm diameter, 250 mm height
• 250 mm diameter, 400 mm height
• Minimum voxel size: < 1 μm

In conjunction with the HOFZET application centre of the Fraunhofer WKI, a wide range of CT measurement issues can be addressed.

A scanning electron microscope (SEM) is an electron microscope in which a primary electron beam is passed over a sample (scanned). This creates interactions between the electrons and the sample and thus an image is produced. The entire process usually takes place in a high vacuum to avoid interactions with atoms and molecules in the air. The main areas of application of an SEM are material and damage analysis.

Scanning electron microscopy has several advantages over traditional light microscopy:

• High depth of field
• Increased resolving power
• Low effort for sample preparation
• Simple adaptation of additional measuring devices for microanalysis

When the sample is bombarded with the electron beam, secondary products are produced that can be used for imaging as well as for material analysis. The secondary electrons (SE) and the backscattered electrons (RSE) are the signals used for image generation. For material characterisation, X-rays are used, which are analysed with an energy dispersive (EDX) spectrometer. Another development in SEM is the use of VP (variable pressure) apertures. This makes it possible to microscope highly gaseous, moist and non-conductive samples and to carry out non-destructive examinations.

The dynamic differential calorimetry (DDK) or differential scanning calorimetry (DSC) is a method of thermal analysis that measures the specific heat of a sample as a function of temperature. Characteristic thermal properties of biopolymers such as melting points, glass transition temperatures and crystallisation processes can be determined and graphically displayed with the help of the DSC.

In plastics technology, this test method is used in the areas of development, production, incoming inspection, quality assurance and damage analysis of moulded parts.

Technical data:

• Temperature measuring range: -180 °C to 700 °C
• Heating rate range: 0.001 K/min - 200 K/min
• Cooling rate range: 0.001 K/min - 200 K/min
• Cooling: maximum 200 K/min; automatically controlled liquid nitrogen cooling.
• Baseline optimisation: BeFlat®
• Automatic sample changer: DSC 204 F1 Phoenix® ASC for 64 samples and reference beakers