Porosity analyses by X-ray tomography

A fundamental challenge for your materials

Bubbles, microcavities, interconnected pores… Porosity directly affects the mechanical strength, thermal resistance and durability of a material. Poorly controlled porosity can reduce strength, cause premature failure or impair the functionality of a product.

Using X-ray tomography and microtomography, NOVITOM offers you a non-destructive, multi-scale 3D analysis of sub-micrometric pores to large porosities.

Key parameters for characterising porosity

  • Volume porosity: proportion of total volume occupied by pores.

  • Size and shape distribution: equivalent diameter, average size, sphericity, shape factor, orientation, Feret diameter.

  • Spatial location: position of porosities in the part or structure.

  • Connectivity: distinction between open and closed pores, size of interconnected porous network, local thickness, tortuosity.

  • Dynamic evolution of porosity under mechanical, thermal or chemical stresses

  • Foam cells: cell volume, cell density, size distribution

Our 3D porosity measurement services using X-ray tomography

Metal or polymer addtive manufacturing and 3D printing
  • Quantification of internal porosity
  • Detection of air bubbles related to melting or deposition
  • 3D defects for parameter optimisation
     
Foundry, casting and moulding
  • Analysis of shrinkage or gas porosity
  • Assessment of the impact of heat treatments
  • Quality control: detection of cracks, shrinkage, etc.
     
Welding, soldering and brazing
  • Inspection of weld seams for gas inclusions
  • Measurement of the size and distribution of interface voids
     
Composites
  • Detection of microcavities in the polymer matrix
  • Analysis of fibre/matrix interface areas
  • Visualisation and metrology of porosities
     
Ceramics and refractory materials
  • Measurement of open/closed porosity
  • Assessment of pore connectivity for filtration
     
Polymers and foams
  • Cell characterisation and size distribution
  • Cell size evolution under compression
     
Functionnal porous materials (filtres, membranes, biomatériaux)
  • Assessment of active porosity and tortuosity
  • Connectivity control to predict performance
     
Solid form medicines (comprimés, gélules, poudres compactées)
  • Analysis of porosity and density to optimise dissolution and bioavailability
  • Batch quality control for formulation consistency
     
Geomaterials and natural samples
  • Analysis of rock microporosity for petroleum or hydrogeological studies
  • Evaluation of the internal structure of wood or other organic materials

Why choose micro-CT for porosity analysis?

  • Complete, non-destructive 3D view: detects and measures all porosities, open or closed, without sample preparation bias

  • Multi-scale accuracy: from millimetres to sub-microns, for massive samples or fine microstructures

  • Reliable and comprehensive quantification: pore volume, size, shape, distribution and connectivity, without sampling bias

  • Data usable for modelling and AI algorithms: generation of comprehensive datasets to correlate microstructure and performance

  • Observation under real conditions: in situ monitoring of porosity evolution under mechanical, thermal or chemical stresses

Examples of microtomography analyses

Revealing the hidden structure of tablets with synchrotron X-rays

Revealing the hidden structure of tablets with synchrotron X-rays

A recent study conducted by Xploraytion, Novitom, Merck, and…

Revealing the hidden structure of tablets with synchrotron X-rays

Revealing the hidden structure of tablets with synchrotron X-rays

A recent study conducted by Xploraytion, Novitom, Merck, and…

Our X-ray tomography and 3D image analysis techniques

For measuring R&D samples and finished products:

  • Industrial computed tomography (CT): inspection of macroporosity in parts measuring up to several tens of centimetres
  • Micro-computed tomography (micro-CT): micrometric resolution for analysing internal microstructure and air bubbles
  • Synchrotron micro-tomography (SR-µCT): detection of even finer porosities, rapid scanning of large series of samples
  • In situ micro-tomography: quasi-static or dynamic monitoring of porosity evolution under stress
  • Synchrotron nano-tomography: resolution up to 50 nm for the smallest pores
For visual renderings and quantitative results tailored to your needs:
  • 3D visualisations: location, size and distribution of porosities for clear and immediate inspection
  • 3D image analysis: accurate quantification of the dimensions, shapes, connectivity, orientations, etc. of porosities
  • AI-assisted analysis: detection and measurement of the finest porosities or those in complex materials
  • Automation and reproducibility: standardised image processing and software transfer for comparable and reliable analyses
  • Film editing and 3D animations: dynamic and compelling presentations to communicate your results

The advantages of NOVITOM

Rreliable and rapid analyses

Analyses carried out on state-of-the-art equipment by a team of experts.

Tailor-made approach

An approach tailored to your constraints, with a technical contact person who supports you from start to finish.

Clear results

Actionable results thanks to detailed reports and 3D visuals that facilitate decision-making.