Characterization of lightweight graphite based composites using x-ray microtomography

The characterization of lightweight preforms of graphite based composites particles with an aluminum alloy using X-ray microtomography (XMT) technique was investigated. XMT can provide information about a substantial volume of material while 2D techniques only provide data from the relatively small surface region which is being examined. While performing XMT analysis, it is preferable to have a variation in the linear attenuation between phases of at least 10%. Quantified microstructural parameters are compared with those obtained via a 2D analysis technique whereas the application of 3D XMT is simulating both the processing behavior and mechanical performance of composite materials. The results confirm that XMT technique can be used to obtain a first approximation of the permeability of the graphite preforms to generate surfaces and grid that allow the prediction of mechanical and physical properties.