Nondestructive 3D Imaging of Microscale Damage inside Polymers-Based on the Discovery of Self-Excited Fluorescence Effect Induced by Electrical Field

The development of high-precision, non-destructive, and three-dimensional (3D) in situ imaging of micro-scale damage inside polymers is extremely challenging. Recent reports suggest that 3D imaging technology based on micro-CT technology causes irreversible damage to materials and is ineffective for many elastomeric materials. In this study, it is discovered that electrical trees inside silicone gel induced by an applied electric field can induce a self-excited fluorescence effect. Based on this, high-precision, non-destructive, and 3D in situ fluorescence imaging of polymer damages is successfully achieved. Compared with the current methods, the fluorescence microscopic imaging method enables slicing of the sample in vivo with high-precision operation, realizing the precise positioning of the damaged area. This pioneering discovery paves the way for high-precision, non-destructive, and 3D in situ imaging of polymer internal damage, which can solve the problem of internal damage imaging in insulating materials and precision instruments.

Automated summary

The development of high-precision, non-destructive, and 3D in situ imaging technology for detecting micro-scale damage inside polymers is challenging. A recent study discovered that electrical trees induced by an applied electric field in silicone gel can generate self-excited fluorescence, enabling successful high-precision, non-destructive, and 3D in situ fluorescence imaging of polymer damages. This pioneering discovery allows for the precise positioning of damaged areas by slicing the sample in vivo, providing a solution to the problem of imaging internal damage in insulating materials and precision instruments.