X-ray Micro-Computed Tomography for monitoring the behavior of single particles under tensile strain

X-ray computed tomography was used to evaluate single particles that were artificially deposited in a polyethylene matrix, after interrupted tensile tests. Therefore, the prepared specimens were loaded from strain 0% to strain 30% with the CT500 Deben tension/compression in-situ stage (Deben, UK). Single particles and emerged defects were detected, characterised and assessed using VG Studio MAX 3.2. Within this work, different kinds and shapes of particles and defects were investigated. The elongation was measured and stress over strain curves were calculated. The shape of the particles has an impact on the defect formation. Spherical particles tend to be pulled out of the matrix while non spherical particles tend to rupture.