Microstructure reconstruction of fibrous C/C composites from X-ray microtomography

The precise characterization of the microstructure of fibrous composites is essential for an accurate determination of their properties and behaviour. However, fabrication processes usually introduce serious deviations from simple ideal spatial arrangements of preform fibres and matrix. The characterization of composites has been performed using destructive and non destructive testing techniques, many of them based on image analysis. Carbon fibres in carbon matrix composites, however, pose a difficult challenge to image analysis systems due to the poor contrast between the different phases. We describe a procedure for the reconstruction of the true microstructure of carbon/carbon composites using phase contrast X-ray microtomography, show some results, and discuss its performance.