{"id":"wpc-tech100-article-072-en","slug":"micro-ct-inspection-of-wood-polymer-composites","locale":"en","url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/micro-ct-inspection-of-wood-polymer-composites/","title":"Micro-CT inspection of wood-polymer composites","answer":"X-ray microtomography can help visualise internal structure without relying only on a cut surface. Its usefulness depends on resolution, contrast and the size of the feature being investigated.","author":"NFC & WPC Knowledge Reference","faqIds":["wpc-tech100-faq-072-en"],"tagIds":[],"noindex":false,"related":["wpc-tech100-article-073-en"],"version":1,"modified":"2026-10-15","reviewer":"","sections":[{"id":"technical-context","text":"Not every boundary between constituents will be equally visible. Reconstruction and segmentation choices can change calculated porosity or geometry. A striking three-dimensional image is not automatically a quantitative measurement of the entire component.","heading":"Technical context","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/micro-ct-inspection-of-wood-polymer-composites/#technical-context"},{"id":"verification-plan","text":"Document scan conditions and the analysis method. Check selected features against another suitable observation where possible. Report the inspected volume and resolution so readers understand what the scan could and could not detect.","heading":"What to measure and document","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/micro-ct-inspection-of-wood-polymer-composites/#verification-plan"},{"id":"practical-decision","text":"Use the technique to answer a defined development or failure question. Small scanned samples may not represent a long production profile. Product release decisions should combine appropriate sampling with evidence relevant to the intended service function.","heading":"Implications for development and specification","references":[],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/micro-ct-inspection-of-wood-polymer-composites/#practical-decision"},{"id":"reading-scope","text":"A research investigation using imaging and microscopy to examine exposed WPC samples. Use the linked work as related reading. The practical checks above are editorial recommendations, not reported test results or a substitute for product qualification.","heading":"Related reading and evidence limits","references":[1],"url":"https://woodplasticcomposite.net/guides/micro-ct-inspection-of-wood-polymer-composites/#reading-scope"}],"seoTitle":"Micro-CT inspection of wood-polymer composites | WPC Reference","topicIds":[],"published":"2026-10-15","tableText":"Review step | Evidence to retain\nMaterial and geometry | Exact specimen or product identity\nVerification | Method, conditions and individual observations\nDecision | Approved scope and documented limitations","takeaways":"Not every boundary between constituents will be equally visible.\nDocument scan conditions and the analysis method.\nUse the technique to answer a defined development or failure question.","aiAssisted":true,"categoryId":"wpc-tech100-category-3","reviewedAt":"","change_note":"New focused technical draft; not a product certification or production recipe.","description":"X-ray microtomography can help visualise internal structure without relying only on a cut surface.","heroImageId":"","referenceIds":["wpc-tech100-ref-imaging"],"review_status":"AI-assisted English editorial draft. Human technical review has not been recorded.","table_caption":"Evidence checklist for micro-ct inspection of wood-polymer composites","seoDescription":"X-ray microtomography can help visualise internal structure without relying only on a cut surface.","translationGroup":"wpc-tech100-072-2026","references":[{"url":"https://research.fs.usda.gov/treesearch/46176","type":"web","title":"Instrumental methods for studying biological decay in WPC","noindex":false,"accessed":"2026-10-14","seoTitle":"Instrumental methods for studying biological decay in WPC","publisher":"USDA Forest Service","description":"Related reading; scope and limitations are identified in each article.","seoDescription":"Related reading; scope and limitations are identified in each article."}],"faqs":[{"question":"What evidence is needed for micro-CT inspection of wood-polymer composites?","answer":"Document scan conditions and the analysis method. Check selected features against another suitable observation where possible. Report the inspected volume and resolution so readers understand what the scan could and could not detect."}]}