Field emission scanning electron microscope

• Subject Area: Materials Science
• Term: Funded in 2024
• Project identifier: Deutsche Forschungsgemeinschaft (DFG) - Project number 532701230

A field emitter scanning electron microscope (FESEM) is requested for materials development in additive manufacturing. The device is to be integrated as a central element in the laboratory for powder-based materials development. An essential first step in the development of new materials for additive manufacturing is the investigation of microstructural properties such as composition-dependent phase formation and transformation of additively manufactured materials. Due to the unique process environments of additive manufacturing processes, it is also possible to create the smallest grain sizes down to glass-like states, as well as highly textured materials. For the development of new materials, which use the characteristic process features of additive manufacturing technologies based on powder nozzle as well as powder bed processes, it is indispensable to be able to investigate the finest microstructural components in detail. One focus of the research of the Chair of Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing is the development of partly highly complex high-temperature alloys based on intermetallic and Ni-based alloy systems. Due to the characteristically high cooling rates of additive manufacturing processes as well as the influence of intrinsic heat treatment caused by the layer-by-layer structure, material states are typically generated in disequilibrium states not represented by phase diagrams. Another focus is on the development of materials using self-synthesized nanoparticles to modify the properties of printed materials, including nanoparticle-polymer composites, in a variety of ways. The ability to systematically study composite and alloy compositions at BUW will provide extensive new scientific insight into composition-property correlations; which is particularly important in light of the goal of being able to develop application-specific material solutions in a targeted manner. By adding a high-performance scanning electron microscope with resolution in the single-digit nanometer range, low-pressure mode and corresponding analytics (energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDX) and electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD)), the fundamental research and development of new metallic and polymeric materials using nanoparticulate additives and intrinsically formed precipitates can be significantly extended and a substantial deepening of the understanding of composition-dependent phase formation under the special thermophysical solidification conditions during AM can be achieved. The proposed device thus occupies a key position for the materials science research spectrum of the Chair of Materials Science and Additive Manufacturing and the University of Wuppertal.

• DFG Programme: Major Research Instrumentation
• Major Instrumentation: Feldemitter-Rasterelektronenmikroskop
• Instrumentation Group: 5120 Rasterelektronenmikroskope (REM)
• Applicant Institution: Bergische Universität Wuppertal
• Leader: Professor Dr. Bilal Gökce