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This paper investigates an innovative process for polymer composite materials manufacturing by vacuum-assisted resin infusion process combined with a controlled microwave preheating system. Regulation is based on the acquisition of resin temperature after the microwave heating and before the die inlet and data processing by a PID controller to manage microwave input power in real …

System Integration for Advanced Manufacturing of Composites by Microwave Preheated Resin Infusion: An Experimental Study Read More »

Abstract Void formation in fibre-reinforced polymer composites processed by liquid moulding is a persistent issue in composite research and development. Not only may several void formation mechanisms come into play, but these defects can also accumulate and grow over the course of the manufacturing process. Mitigation methods can be applied once the underlying causes of …

4D-XCT monitoring of void formation in thick methacrylic composites produced by infusion Read More »

Certain species in the Brassicaceae family exhibit high photosynthesis rates, potentially providing a valuable route toward improving agricultural productivity. However, factors contributing to their high photosynthesis rates are still unknown. We compared Hirschfeldia incana, Brassica nigra, Brassica rapa and Arabidopsis thaliana, grown under two contrasting light intensities.  Hirschfeldia incana matched B. nigra and B. …

High photosynthesis rates in Brassiceae species are mediated by leaf anatomy enabling high biochemical capacity, rapid CO2 diffusion and efficient light use Read More »

The KU Leuven XCT Core Facility is excited to participate in the upcoming 14th international conference on industrial Computed Tomography (iCT), held on February 4-7, 2025 (Antwerp, Belgium). Jan Sijbers of the University of Antwerp: On behalf of the Organizing Committee, we would like to warmly welcome you to the 14th International Conference on Industrial …

The 14th International Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography Read More »

Abstract Hygric pore network modelling, which characterises the macroscopic moisture storage and transport properties by simulating the microscopic storage and transport of moisture in the pore elements of the pore network, is a novel method to characterise the hygric properties of building materials. To analyse, verify and/or compare pore networks, a wide array of parameters …

Influence of Pore Network Parameters on Hygric Property Prediction for Porous Building Materials Read More »

Abstract Combining tomographic imaging with digital volume correlation allows in-situ 3D strain mapping, leading to a quantitative assessment of damage mechanisms and associated material properties in structural materials. Being based on pattern recognition, digital volume correlation is well-suited for materials with intrinsic and stable microstructural heterogeneity, such as certain biological tissues. Unfortunately, conventional polymers and …

Material representativeness of a polymer matrix doped with nanoparticles as the random speckle pattern for digital volume correlation of fibre-reinforced composites Read More »