(e.g. plastics, liquids, gases)
We use self-developed relaxometry methods on mobile dedicated benchtop instruments (Polymer-Profiler) to characterize and identify materials that usually provide too little signal to be measured by magnetic resonance, such as plastics, silicones and adhesives. With our fingerprint method we identify different plastics and are also able to monitor material changes over time.
In addition to the classical material testing, the very fast relaxometry allows the monitoring of running processes and enables functional statements. Due to its high sensitivity, this method is ideally suited for recording time histories in the µs range as well as up to days and weeks. Examples are drying, curing and mixing processes. With suitable adaptations, this method can also be used for inline process monitoring and control.
In quality assurance, defects and contamination of test samples can be detected and localized with special MR methods using layer or 3D images. In the imaging of two-component materials, for example silicone or PU, the homogeneity and degree of crosslinking can also be determined.
Figure 3: In search of defects: 3D reconstruction of water hoses
Fraunhofer Institute for Integrated Circuits IIS