Researchers at the Paul Scherrer Institute PSI have improved a method for small angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) to such an extent that it can now be used in the development or quality control of novel fiber-reinforced composites. This means that in the future, such materials can be investigated not only with X-rays from especially powerful sources such as the Swiss Light Source SLS, but also with those from conventional X-ray tubes. The researchers have published their results in the journal Nature Communications.
Novel fiber-reinforced composites are becoming increasingly important as stable and lightweight materials. One example of this type of composite is carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRP), which are used in aircraft construction or in the construction of Formula 1 racing cars and sports bicycles. The properties of these materials depend to a large extent on how the tiny fibers are aligned and how they are arranged and embedded in the surrounding material, influencing the mechanical, optical, or electromagnetic behavior of the composites.
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