X-ray microtomography for the identification of microstructural properties of shale
This use of X-ray micro-CT combined with nanoindentation tests is proposed for the qualitative and quantitative characterization of Shale, a fine-grained sedimentary rock composed of highly compacted clay particles, nanometric porosity, and silt-sized particles of other minerals. With a series of samples, some statistical morphological measures are calculated: volume fraction of cracks, tortuosity, and crack aperture spatial distribution. Additionally, the effective parameters of anisotropic permeability are estimated mathematically.
READ MORE on using micro-CT to study microstructure of shale, from ELSEVIER.
Micro-CT use to explore the microstructure of materials in civil engineering
Micro-CT scanning is being used to analyse the microstructure of construction materials in order to analyze, develop new materials, and to study internal defects and qualities. It is also used to study the microstructure of materials such as concrete, and especially in case of the new concretes (ultra-high performance concrete, fiber reinforced concrete, etc). This article explores the state-of-the-art of the most relevant research related to the use of micro-CT to explore the microstructure of materials in civil and mechanical engineering.
READ MORE on using micro-CT to study construction materials at INTECH.
Micro-CT for the study of the inner structure of rock samples
For non-destructive insight into properties of rock materials, micro-CT is a valuable tool. However, in order to study the geometrical shape and arrangement of individual construction elements and the spatial distribution of pore space, a highly detailed visualisation is needed. The visualisation of such structures requires minimizing dimensions of testing samples, but how the testing samples are shaped into small dimensions can considerably affect their properties and internal structure. This article explores the method of shaping or preparing the testing samples by comparing two different methods: by diamond circular saw and by high-speed abrasive water jet.
READ MORE about preparation of rock samples for study by micro-CT, from Procedia Engineering.