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Fibre analysis by X-ray tomography

Measure and visualise the 3D architecture of your fibrous materials, from micro to macro

Volume fraction, spatial orientation, distribution, fibre length and curvature, impregnation quality… We quantify the key parameters that govern the mechanical, thermal or biological performance of your materials.

Thanks to X-ray tomography, these measurements become accessible in 3D and under real conditions, allowing us to directly link microstructure and functional properties. Whether you want to optimise a process, guarantee the reliability of an aeronautical composite, control the filtration of a non-woven fabric or understand the mechanics of collagenous tissues, our services transform microstructure into usable data to innovate and secure your developments.

Key parameters for fibre characterisation

  • Fibre volume content: local/global volume fraction

  • 3D orientation: angular distribution, orientation tensor, anisotropy

  • Length/diameter/slenderness: short fibres, long fibres, strand

  • Waviness, curvature, interfibre contact

  • Spatial distribution: fibre-poor/loaded zones, process gradients

  • Fibre/matrix interfaces & impregnation: interfacial voids, wetting, adhesion

  • In situ evolution under tension, compression, and thermal stress: monitoring of the initiation/propagation of fibre breaks, decohesion, and delamination

Our 3D fibre analysis services using X-ray tomography

Composites injection / short fibres

  • 3D mapping of carbon/glass fibre orientation, anisotropy, and lengths
  • Detection of impregnation or filling defects
  • Tomographic monitoring under tension/compression to visualize decohesion, cracks, and delaminations
     

Woven / braided / prepreg composites

  • Local volume fraction
  • Strand/sheet scale orientation, waviness and placement defect detection
  • In situ SR-µCT to monitor cracking, fibre breakage, decohesion, and delamination under load; correlation with mechanical curves
     

Insulation, energy: mineral wool, carbon felts, fibrous electrodes…

  • 3D mapping of denser or depleted zones that influence thermal conductivity and fluid flow
  • Measurement of fibre alignment influencing preferential conduction (thermal/electrical)
  • 3D monitoring of local rearrangements and melting during thermal cycles
     

Technical textiles, filters

  • Mapping of local gradients / filtration performance
  • Quantification of sinuosity and contact points governing permeability and dimensional stability
  • Statistical analysis of cut or damaged fibres influencing the strength of nonwovens
     

Heritage (archaeology, conservation)

  • Non-destructive 3D reconstruction of fibre weaves, armatures and orientations, even on fragile or degraded parts
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Organic fibers and fibrous tissues

Biological Tissues: cartilage, tendon, skin

  • Quantification of the 3D orientation and degree of alignment of collagen fibres
  • Measurement of the natural undulation of collagen fibres
  • 3D observation of collagen network remodeling during mechanical tests, analysis of rupture and structural laxity mechanisms

Cosmetics – hair & keratin fibres

  • Hair Strand: 3D geometry, curl/curvature, inter-fibre contacts, variations after treatments
  • Fibre: cuticle/cortex/melanin/possible medulla, variations after treatments (bleaching, heat)
  • Objective quantification, 3D visual aids for R&D and technical marketing

Why choose micro-CT for fibre analysis?

  • Non-destructive & representative 3D: no biased slices; entire volumes or multi-resolution regions of interest
  • Multi-scale down to nano-tomography: from cm to ~50 nm in synchrotron, to link architecture and performance
  • Real-time in situ: direct observation of orientation under load and damage mechanisms; reference data for modelling
  • Robust quantitative measurements: orientation tensor, length/diameter distributions, waviness/crimp, volume fraction, heterogeneity maps
  • AI & simulation compatibility: 3D datasets for training/validation, critical zone detection, process model calibration

Examples of quantitative analysis and measurements by micro-CT

The dissolution of coated tablets highlighted by X-ray microtomography

The dissolution of coated tablets highlighted by X-ray microtomography

Which phenomena are decisive in oral drug release from…

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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…

More
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…

Lire la suite
The dissolution of coated tablets highlighted by X-ray microtomography

The dissolution of coated tablets highlighted by X-ray microtomography

Which phenomena are decisive in oral drug release from…

Lire la suite
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Our X-ray tomography and 3D image analysis techniques

For measurements on R&D samples as well as finished products:
  • Industrial Computed Tomography (CT): non-destructive inspection of parts up to several tens of centimeters in size
  • Micro-Tomography (micro-CT): micrometric resolution for analyzing 3D orientation and microstructure
  • Synchrotron Micro-Tomography (SR-µCT): detection of fine fibers, carbon/carbon, ultrafast acquisition for dynamic studies
  • In situ micro-tomography: temporal monitoring of fiber evolution under compression or tension, and temperature
  • Synchrotron nano-tomography: resolution down to 50 nm for the thinnest fibers

For visual renderings and quantitative results tailored to your needs:

  • 3D visualisations: 3D inspection of fiber content in parts up to several tens of centimeters in size
  • 3D image analysis: 3D quantitative results on orientation, volumetric fractionation, lengths, number of contacts, etc.
  • AI-powered image analysis: precise results even on complex materials
  • Automated and reproducible image processing, custom software
    3D film and animation editing: for clear and compelling presentations

The advantages of NOVITOM

Recognized expertise

Over 20 years of experience in advanced tomography and interpretation of results on all types of materials

High-quality analyses

Accurate quantitative data, non-destructive and multi-scale inspections tailored to your application

Responsiveness and customisation

Solutions tailored to your constraints, detailed reports and 3D visuals to facilitate decision-making

Other advanced materials characterisation services

Analyse 3D de porosités

Caractérisation 3D de fissures

Contrôle non-destructif avancé

Tomographie in situ

Comparaison CAO

Accompagnement et partenariat R&D

Formation en tomographie
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