Combining X-ray CT and 3D printing technology to produce microcosms with replicable, complex pore geometries

Wilfred Otten, Radoslaw Pajor, Sonja Schmidt, Philippe C. Baveye, R. Hague, Ruth E. Falconer

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

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Abstract

Measurements in soils have been traditionally used to demonstrate that soil architecture is one of the key drivers of soil processes. Major advances in the use of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) afford significant insight into the pore geometry of soils, but until recently no experimental techniques were available to reproduce this complexity in microcosms. This article describes a 3D additive manufacturing technology that can print physical structures with pore geometries reflecting those of soils. The process enables printing of replicated structures, and the printing materials are suitable to study fungal growth. This technology is argued to open up a wealth of opportunities for soil biological studies.
Original languageEnglish
Pages (from-to)53-55
Number of pages3
JournalSoil Biology and Biochemistry
Volume51
DOIs
StatePublished - Aug 2012

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X Ray Computed Tomography
Soil
Technology
Three Dimensional Printing
soil
geometry
computed tomography
microcosm
tomography
soil pore system
microbial growth
methodology
manufacturing

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Otten, Wilfred; Pajor, Radoslaw; Schmidt, Sonja; Baveye, Philippe C.; Hague, R.; Falconer, Ruth E. / Combining X-ray CT and 3D printing technology to produce microcosms with replicable, complex pore geometries.

In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Vol. 51, 08.2012, p. 53-55.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

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Otten, W, Pajor, R, Schmidt, S, Baveye, PC, Hague, R & Falconer, RE 2012, 'Combining X-ray CT and 3D printing technology to produce microcosms with replicable, complex pore geometries' Soil Biology and Biochemistry, vol 51, pp. 53-55. DOI: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.04.008

Combining X-ray CT and 3D printing technology to produce microcosms with replicable, complex pore geometries. / Otten, Wilfred; Pajor, Radoslaw; Schmidt, Sonja; Baveye, Philippe C.; Hague, R.; Falconer, Ruth E.

In: Soil Biology and Biochemistry, Vol. 51, 08.2012, p. 53-55.

Research output: Contribution to journal › Article

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AU - Otten,Wilfred

AU - Pajor,Radoslaw

AU - Schmidt,Sonja

AU - Baveye,Philippe C.

AU - Hague,R.

AU - Falconer,Ruth E.

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AB - Measurements in soils have been traditionally used to demonstrate that soil architecture is one of the key drivers of soil processes. Major advances in the use of X-ray Computed Tomography (CT) afford significant insight into the pore geometry of soils, but until recently no experimental techniques were available to reproduce this complexity in microcosms. This article describes a 3D additive manufacturing technology that can print physical structures with pore geometries reflecting those of soils. The process enables printing of replicated structures, and the printing materials are suitable to study fungal growth. This technology is argued to open up a wealth of opportunities for soil biological studies.

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Otten W, Pajor R, Schmidt S, Baveye PC, Hague R, Falconer RE. Combining X-ray CT and 3D printing technology to produce microcosms with replicable, complex pore geometries. Soil Biology and Biochemistry. 2012 Aug;51:53-55. Available from, DOI: 10.1016/j.soilbio.2012.04.008

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