In-situ material characterization facility

To address problems related to climate change, like food or energy supply and use, modern material science and research in complex systems like soil science need the most modern characterization techniques. These are usually only accessible in large scale facilities, like Synchrotrons with limited access, while easily accessible high-end research infrastructure is needed on a local basis. We aim at the installation of a unique in-situ materials characterization laboratory with the possibility of ultra-small X-ray scattering and in-situ scanning electron microscopy. This will allow to investigate the morphology and properties of complex systems like bio-based composites and soil aggregates and particles from the nano-meter scale up into the micro-meter range on an integral basis and to follow the fracture and ultra-high cycle fatigue properties of technical materials in-situ. The goal is to enable characterization techniques that are otherwise not possible in the laboratory: In-situ fatigue testing, micro-meter range SAXS. This will allow to study fatigue properties of nano-modified polymers and metals as well as composition, morphologies and behavior of soils. We plan at many further applications in the field of bio materials and bio-based materials. The laboratory will be implemented in course of a Core Facility at BOKU including a dedicated data infrastructure for open data policy and automated data evaluation including AI-concepts.