Application of the X-ray micro-computed tomography to the analysis of the structure of polymeric materials

In this paper the application of X-ray micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) as a non-destructive testing method of polymeric materials is presented. Increasing applicability of polymers in varied end-use industries such as automotive, building and construction, consumer goods, and packaging is propelling the growth of the global polymer processing market. However, controlling of the polymer structure is one of the most important aspects since it affects mechanical properties of the components. The paper contains examples of two- and three-dimensional analysis of selected polymeric materials using of X-ray micro-computed tomography. Due to the complex structure of polymers, their shape and pores that are embedded inside the material and are not connected to the surface, the X-ray micro-computed tomography is an ideal solution for the analysis of the microstructure of polymeric materials to improve the process of their production in order to obtain components with the best possible properties.