Recent developments in X-ray diffraction/scattering computed tomography for materials science

Abstract

X-ray diffraction/scattering computed tomography (XDS-CT) methods are a non-destructive class of chemical imaging techniques that have the capacity to provide reconstructions of sample cross-sections with spatially resolved chemical information. While X-ray diffraction CT (XRD-CT) is the most well-established method, recent advances in instrumentation and data reconstruction have seen greater use of related techniques like small angle X-ray scattering CT and pair distribution function CT. Additionally, the adoption of machine learning techniques for tomographic reconstruction and data analysis are fundamentally disrupting how XDS-CT data is processed. The following narrative review highlights recent developments and applications of XDS-CT with a focus on studies in the last five years. This article is part of the theme issue 'Exploring the length scales, timescales and chemistry of challenging materials (Part 2)'.

Application of non-destructive testing methods for assessing fracture resistance in dental ceramics: the sound harvesting test

“…To ensure the UTM's operational sounds did not interfere, a preload of 20 N was applied to secure the crown onto its PMMA base (9). Subsequently, the recording was reinitialized, and the desired test commenced.…”

“…These methods enable researchers to evaluate materials or components without causing damage, offering significant cost savings, and ensuring the quality of engineered systems and products. In ceramic production, NDT methods are crucial for detecting structural defects without causing damage, although certain key areas still lack viable testing methods, emphasizing the need for the development of additional accurate and effective NDT techniques to ensure ceramic product quality (9,10). Commonly used NDT methods include visual inspection, penetration testing, ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, infrared thermography, laser ultrasonics, xrays, optical coherence tomography, laser ultrasonics, computed tomography, and acoustic emission testing (AET) (11).…”

“…It is used to assess properties such as fracture strength. Integrated with conventional static fracture test machines, AET can determine the onset of failure, locate the initial damage site, track damage propagation, and expose the complex mechanisms leading to material failure (7)(8)(9).…”

Exploring the length scales, timescales and chemistry of challenging materials (Part 2)

“…It is therefore fitting that the final contribution to this themed issue is an overview of an advanced X-ray technique developed for high resolution chemical imaging. In the paper by Omori et al [ 30 ], details of the X-ray scattering based computational tomography technique are outlined; they resemble the more familiar computational tomography (CT) technique that is based solely on the attenuation of X-rays in that it provides compositional information at high resolution and provides detailed three-dimensional reconstruction of complex materials. The X-ray scattering-based CT technique provides structural information in the form of wide-angle scattering data (X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis) as well as small angle X-ray scattering data that provide structural information, in addition to the chemical information obtained from absorption contrast.…”

“…The X-ray scattering-based CT technique provides structural information in the form of wide-angle scattering data (X-ray diffraction and pair distribution function analysis) as well as small angle X-ray scattering data that provide structural information, in addition to the chemical information obtained from absorption contrast. In this review, Omori et al [ 30 ] discuss the many different applications of this technique, including materials science, catalysis and biosciences as has been discussed elsewhere in this volume, further emphasizing the advantages of probing different length- and timescales in order to understand complex processes and properties.…”