News

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

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 14th International Conference on Industrial Computed Tomography

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 »

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

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 »

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

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 »

Deep-learning image enhancement and fibre segmentation from time-resolved computed tomography of fibre-reinforced composites

Abstract Monitoring the microstructure and damage development of fibre-reinforced composites during loading is crucial to understanding their mechanical properties. Time-resolved X-ray computed tomography enables such an in-situ, non-destructive study. However, the photon flux and fibre-matrix contrast limit its achievable spatial and temporal resolution. In this paper, we push the limits of temporal and spatial resolution …

Deep-learning image enhancement and fibre segmentation from time-resolved computed tomography of fibre-reinforced composites Read More »

Synthesising realistic 2D microstructures of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites with a generative adversarial network

Abstract The microstructure governs the behaviour of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites. In this study, we developed a Deep Convolutional Generative Adversarial Network (DCGAN) to generate realistic 2D transverse microstructures of such composites. We evaluated the DCGAN-generated microstructures using three different methods: Fréchet inception distance, walking through the latent space, and feature matching. The results from these …

Synthesising realistic 2D microstructures of unidirectional fibre-reinforced composites with a generative adversarial network Read More »

Fracture mode analysis of cementitious mortars by simultaneous application of 4D-XCT and acoustic emission technique

Abstract Cementitious brittle construction materials are susceptible to fracturing due to their heterogeneous material composition and relatively weak bond between the aggregates and paste. Hence, enhanced methods of fracture analysis in these materials are an important subject of research. The acoustic emission technique (AET) is frequently used in the study of brittle construction materials, yet …

Fracture mode analysis of cementitious mortars by simultaneous application of 4D-XCT and acoustic emission technique Read More »

Accuracy of photon-counting computed tomography for the measurement of bone quality in the knee

Abstract Visualization and quantification of bone microarchitecture in the human knee allows gaining insight into normal bone structure, and into the structural changes occurring in the onset and progression of bone diseases such as osteoporosis and osteoarthritis. However, current imaging modalities have limitations in capturing the intricacies of bone microarchitecture. Photon counting computed tomography (PCCT) …

Accuracy of photon-counting computed tomography for the measurement of bone quality in the knee Read More »

UV-Curing Assisted Direct Ink Writing of Dense, Crack-Free, and High-Performance Zirconia-Based Composites With Aligned Alumina Platelets

Abstract Additive manufacturing (AM) of high-performance structural ceramic components with comparative strength and toughness as conventionally manufactured ceramics remains challenging. Here, a UV-curing approach is integrated in direct ink writing (DIW), taking advantage from DIW to enable an easy use of high solid-loading pastes and multi-layered materials with compositional changes; while, avoiding drying problems. UV-curable …

UV-Curing Assisted Direct Ink Writing of Dense, Crack-Free, and High-Performance Zirconia-Based Composites With Aligned Alumina Platelets Read More »

3D printing of an iron-rich slag based hybrid mortar. A durable, sustainable and cost-competitive product?

Abstract Automation through 3D printing can be a possible technological breakthrough in construction. However, the carbon footprint is not necessarily reduced as the print formulations consist of more ordinary Portland cement (OPC) compared to conventional high-performance mortar. In this study, a hybrid mortar with minor amount of OPC and mainly Fe-rich, low-Ca slag is used for printing several structures, …

3D printing of an iron-rich slag based hybrid mortar. A durable, sustainable and cost-competitive product? Read More »