microCT test system with nanofocus X-ray source including software package for 3D-reconstruction

• Subject Area: Materials Engineering
• Term: Funded in 2020
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 451111116

The working group Biomaterials & Lightweight Construction at the University of Applied Sciences Stralsund, affiliated in the School of Mechanical Engineering - in the Materials and Manufacturing Technology division, is applying for a high-resolution X-ray microCT for the volumetric 3D reconstruction of samples or component structures. The research area Biomaterials & Lightweight Construction is embedded in two main research areas at the University of Applied Sciences Stralsund: (1) health technologies with the competence field biomaterials and (2) technical systems and energy efficiency with the competence areas lightweight construction and material science and is therefore in the special interest of the University of Applied Sciences. The focus within the field of biomaterials is on magnesium alloys as metallic biomaterial. The working group is intensively researching on biodegradable magnesium alloys, their corrosion behavior with a focus on corrosion morphology. Possible applications of this so-called biomagnesium are bone screws, clips for wound closure, bone nails, pins, stents and wires. Here a uniform corrosion rate adapted to its application is essential. First products are already available on the market. The School of Mechanical Engineering is currently planning to establish an area of specialization in health technologies; a microCT fits perfectly to the intention to strengthen this area. Lightweight construction has been in the interest of the school for many years, automotive engineering is an established specialization. Another focus of the working group is joining of fiber composite materials to high-strength wrought aluminum alloys in the context of multi-material designs as well as the joining of similar and dissimilar wrought aluminum alloys in vehicle and aircraft constructions. The working group is also experienced in the development and chemical adaptation of biocompatible materials for additive manufacturing. The focus is on the development of acrylates for photopolymerization, especially stereolithography. The requested microCT is intended to give information on the internal structure of metallic lightweight alloys based on magnesium and aluminum, as well as of fiber composite plastics and polymer-based materials. This applies both in the initial state and as a result of mechanical (static, cyclical) and corrosive testing. This enables a correlation of the state/quality of the material (microstructure, manufacturing defects) with the resulting properties and allows the best basis for material and process optimization. The University of Applied Sciences Stralsund does not have an X-ray microCT facility yet. The near region of Stralsund has not got such a devices of the requested performance class or either. In addition to the given collaborations, the new system offers the possibility to expand new research collaborations.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: microCT Prüfsystem mit Nanofokus-Röntgenquelle inklusive Softwarepaket zur 3D-Rekonstruktion
• Instrumentation Group: 4070 Spezielle Röntgengeräte für Materialanalyse, Strukturforschung und Werkstoff-Bestrahlung
• Applicant Institution: Hochschule Stralsund
• Leader: Professorin Dr.-Ing. Petra Maier