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

Abstract

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.

Keywords:

• synchrotron
• X-ray micro-computed tomography
• composite
• wood
• silicone carbide

Acknowledgements

Funding for this work was provided by National Science Foundation Grant DMR-0710630. Use of the Advanced Photon Source at Argonne National Laboratory was supported by the US Department of Energy, Office of Science, Office of Basic Energy Sciences, under Contract No. DE-AC02-06CH11357.