Research innovation: three-dimensional analysis of building materials
Thanks to a newly acquired ultra-high-resolution scanning electron microscope (SEM) worth around 1.9 million euros, Weimar’s building material engineers are now able to study materials down to their nanostructure. On 27 May, the Helios Nanolab G4 UX* large-scale research equipment was officially put into operation at the F.A. Finger Institute for Building Material Engineering (FIB), Coudraystraße 11, room 218.
For the first time ever, this high-tech ThermoFisher microscope enables three-dimensional imaging and analysis of building materials and their components on a nanoscale. A focused ion beam is used to automatically remove the material layer by layer at a precision of approximately five nm and simultaneously map it in ultra-high resolution with an electron beam. A 3D model is then simulated using an image processing programme. This forms the basis for further quantitative analysis of the material. In combination with the computed tomography (CT) scanning already available, this opens up new opportunities for material characterisation on all levels.
»Combining analysis with 3D modelling is one of the institute’s unique selling points, and enables us to remain competitive on the international building materials research market«, explains Professor Horst-Michael Ludwig, head of the FIB. The research focuses on characterising the mass construction material of concrete and its components (cement, aggregates, reinforcing steel, additives, admixtures) at nanoscopic to microscopic levels. However, other building materials such as steel, wood, plaster, glass and ceramics are also investigated.
Potential for interdisciplinary use
Scanning electron microscope technology has been used to characterise building materials at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar since 1973. The requirements of building materials have been constantly changing ever since, prompting Weimar’s researchers to use a steady stream of new analytical procedures for material characterisation. Researching and developing innovative, sustainable building materials, such as lower carbon concrete, is one of the greatest challenges of our time. However, structural models can also provide information for issues relating to the energy recovery or maintenance of infrastructure projects such as roads and bridges.
»There are a wide variety of possible uses for three-dimensional scanning electron microscopes, which is why the new device is being put to interdisciplinary use at the Bauhaus-Universität Weimar«, Ludwig confirms. This also includes the Faculty of Art and Design, with its future plans including using microstructure to tackle compostable waste bags.
Delivery: 05/11/2018
Installation complete: 02/2019
Contribution / costs: €1,880,000.00
Funding: 50% DFG large equipment fund, 50% ERDF, allocated by the TMWWDG for the period 2014-2020
