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Our scientists will be able to look deep into materials such as ceramics, plastics, ultra-modern composites and some metals.

The maximum resolution of the Xradia 510 Versa is 70 nm, which is 1000 times less than the thickness of a human hair (0.07 mm). This means that you can observe the structure of the inside of the hair at a thousand times magnification.

The device makes it possible to determine the relationship between how the material is built and how such material behaves, for example, as an element of an aircraft. Its advantage is also a special handle that allows you to see what is happening in the material during its operation, when a force is applied to it or it is heated or cooled.

– Our task is to produce a material that will exactly meet the specified requirements. We study, among others, materials for medicine: implants, bone replacement materials and materials for dentistry, to achieve better cooperation of these materials with the human body. We are also interested in ultra-modern composites used in aviation and vehicles. These materials must be light and at the same time very durable, the safety of passengers depends on them, and at the same time transport costs, which are so important nowadays - says Prof. Krzysztof Pałka from the Department of Materials Engineering.

How is such a study conducted?

After placing the specimen in the device and closing the lead door, the X-ray lamp is turned on and the sample is positioned in the axis of rotation. After setting the necessary parameters, a series of X-rays are taken while the sample rotates. After the scan, a powerful computer comes into operation, which processes a set of up to 2,000 images from x-rays to cross-sections. This process is called ‘reconstruction’. The obtained set of images after reconstruction is then analyzed, not only visually, but also mathematically. – We assess, for example, porosity, size and distribution of pores or material components, the presence of cracks and their dimensions, and all those features that may affect the strength of the material. So we can compare materials using certain parameters, just like comparing the temperature outside the window at different times of the day - explains Prof. Krzysztof Pałka.

As the Lublin researchers emphasize, the interest of the industry is very high, mainly companies for which quality control of products is a priority. The great advantage of the X-ray microscope is the possibility of testing many different materials as well as the offered resolution, i.e. the accuracy of the examination at a level unprecedented in other devices of this type.

The device was purchased as part of the project entitled “Research center for pro-environmental and energy-saving materials and technologies (CeBMaT)”. The purchased equipment is co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund. Its cost is over PLN 5 million.

LUT has the most modern X-ray microscope