X-Ray Diagnostics
High-Efficacy X-Ray Diagnostic Tools for Process Optimization and Quality Management on Roll-to-Roll and Conveyor-based Manufacturing Lines
Batteries, fuel cells, solar cells, flexible electronics as well as thermal and environmental coatings in building products like smart windows all rely on roll-to-roll or conveyor-based manufacturing solutions. These high performance and functional coatings often have layers with complex structures and compositions. Incorporating a third-dimension into an inherently two-dimensional sheet through structure and compositional gradients while increasing processing speeds requires new diagnostic tools for process development, optimization, and in-line quality management.
There currently exist a number of diagnostic tools for in-line measurement of thickness, detection of cracks and defects, and material composition. While these enable measurement of coating thickness, identification of some defects in processing, or measuring the chemical composition, they do not provide information about internal structure through the depth of the sheet. In this project, we propose to leverage the rapid improvement in x-ray detectors to develop and deliver sensing diagnostics for high-throughput sheet-based manufacturing providing detailed information about the structure and composition of the coated layers.
Scope of Research Activities
Material and Coating Development
Key Challenges and Technical Problems to Solve
Demonstrator
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Leading Principal Investigator
Project Consortium
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