Scientists from the CTLAB at CEITEC Brno University of Technology used a new industrial CT scanner to examine the Bastion ballistic helmet manufactured by the U.S.-based company Ballistic Armor Co. Without making a single cut, the scanner revealed the helmet's internal structure, including its individual protective layers, and confirmed the absence of manufacturing defects. The results demonstrate the technology's potential for quality control and the development of protective equipment for the defense industry.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4be342238c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4be342238c.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">Computed tomography (CT) is an imaging technique widely used in medicine. Using X-rays, CT scanners produce detailed 2D cross-sectional images or 3D models of internal organs, allowing physicians to examine the inside of the human body without surgery and identify structural changes in tissues. Industrial CT scanners at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ctlab.ceitec.cz/">CTLAB CEITEC</a> operate on the same principle but use significantly higher X-ray energies than medical systems. This enables researchers to inspect larger and more complex objects with exceptional precision while keeping them completely intact through non-destructive testing.The laboratory's newest scanner, the Waygate Technologies phoenix v|tome|x L450, installed only at the end of last year, is unique in the research environment. Its size and power allow it to penetrate, for example, steel objects up to 7 centimeters (2.8 inches) thick while maintaining a resolution of only a few tens of micrometers.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4_bf54aa6ef1.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Anna Smith from Ballistic Armor Co. and Michaela Škaroupková from CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_4_bf54aa6ef1.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">"Based on its technical capabilities, we knew this system could analyze highly complex composite materials. That's why we challenged it with the Bastion ballistic helmet from Ballistic Armor Co.," explains Tomáš Zikmund from the X-ray Computed Micro- and Nano-Tomography Laboratory at CEITEC Brno University of Technology (<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ctlab.ceitec.cz/">CTLAB CEITEC</a>). The helmet is designed to provide protection against handgun ammunition.The helmet is manufactured from Aramid fibers, better known by the trade name Kevlar. Aramid is widely used in ballistic protection and aerospace applications because of its exceptional strength, durability, and low weight. Combined with the helmet's other materials, it forms a highly complex internal structure that only the most advanced CT systems can visualize.<h3>CT Helps Ensure Quality Without Damaging the Product</h3>As part of the study, the Bastion helmet was exposed to X-rays for several hours. The result was a highly detailed 3D model of its internal structure, clearly revealing the individual ballistic layers as well as the soft padding materials—all without cutting the helmet apart. The analysis also detected no manufacturing defects."Results from non-destructive CT inspections like this improve our understanding of how protective equipment is built and help manufacturers maintain the highest standards of quality and safety," says Anna Smith, Director of Business Development at <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://ballisticarmorco.com/">Ballistic Armor Co</a>.Non-destructive CT analysis, however, is not a substitute for standard ballistic testing, which remains essential for verifying that protective equipment meets the required ballistic resistance specified by applicable standards. Instead, the technology serves as an effective tool for routine manufacturing quality control, verification of production consistency, and regular audits of products whose ballistic performance has already been validated.According to Tomáš Zikmund, the successful test marks another important milestone in demonstrating the capabilities of the laboratory's new CT system for defense applications. Earlier this spring, the research team showcased the scanner by examining an airsoft rifle, non-destructively verifying the correct placement of mechanical components and wiring while also inspecting the materials for pores and microcracks.<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_3_9a68c9c71c.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_3_9a68c9c71c.jpeg 235w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="1067">These studies demonstrate that industrial CT has an important role to play in the defense sector. In many cases, it can complement destructive quality-control methods used during manufacturing by enabling detailed inspections without disassembling or damaging the product. Modern CT technology provides deep, highly precise, and completely non-destructive inspection. It does not, however, replace conventional ballistic testing, which remains the only method capable of verifying the required level of ballistic protection."Our goal is to strengthen collaboration between science, technology development, and the defense industry," Zikmund concludes. "We believe our technology can help manufacturers not only improve production quality but also gain valuable insights into the behavior of materials and the design principles behind modern protective equipment."<img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_2_1559697260.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Bastion Helmet by Ballistic Amor Co. scanned at CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_2_1559697260.jpeg 104w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2400"><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_5_8dab8c31ab.jpeg" alt="CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: CEITEC BUT/CEITEC BUT with the permission of Ballistic Armor Co.: Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut: Anna Smith from Ballistic Armor Co. and Michaela Škaroupková from CTLAB CEITEC." srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_CEITEC_Profesionalni_ochranne_vybaveni_pod_rentgenem_Vyzkumnici_z_CEITEC_overili_kvalitu_balisticke_prilby_bez_jedineho_rezu_5_8dab8c31ab.jpeg 103w," sizes="100vw" width="1600" height="2420">

Professional Protective Gear Under X-Rays: CEITEC Researchers Verify the Quality of a Ballistic Helmet Without Making a Single Cut 

In late February 2025, a train carrying benzene derailed in Hustopeče nad Bečvou, and within hours, a race was on to save the groundwater and surface water. One of the most toxic industrial substances began seeping into the gravel-sand subsoil. While fieldwork was underway to prevent the spread of contamination, decisions were already being made in the CXI TUL laboratories regarding how to subsequently clean up the contaminated rock environment.The accident ranks among the most serious environmental incidents in the Czech Republic in recent years. After a tanker train derailed, hundreds of metric tons of benzene leaked; due to the highly permeable geological subsoil, it quickly seeped into deeper soil layers and into the groundwater. The combination of the substance’s high toxicity and local conditions complicated both the emergency response and the subsequent remediation. The key was to stop further spread, determine the extent of the contamination, and establish a remediation strategy for the entire site.It was at this stage that CXI TUL became involved in the solution. At the request of the renowned remediation company DEKONTA, a.s., a team led by RNDr. Jan Němeček, Ph.D., began testing the feasibility of the in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) method. This technology is designed to break down benzene directly within the rock matrix, without the need for extensive excavation of contaminated soil or the pumping out of large volumes of groundwater. The goal was simple: to find a method that would work quickly, safely, and under the actual conditions of the affected site.<h4>Benzene Remediation: Technically Simple, Complicated in Practice</h4>Benzene is a highly toxic and carcinogenic substance that rapidly penetrates into groundwater in permeable subsoil, where it dissolves and spreads further as the water flows toward surface water bodies. Benzene also binds to rock particles and migrates in the form of vapors into overlying unconsolidated layers.Scientists in Liberec therefore tested in situ chemical oxidation (ISCO) technology under laboratory conditions. The goal was to find an oxidant capable of breaking down benzene directly underground into less hazardous substances.The tests evaluated two main options: activated hydrogen peroxide and sodium peroxodisulfate. Both substances removed up to 99.99% of the benzene, but there was a difference in their kinetics and impacts on the natural environment. Activated hydrogen peroxide achieved nearly complete degradation of the contaminant within a single day. Activated sodium peroxodisulfate was slower and also significantly altered the chemistry of the water; it acidified the environment and increased the sulfate content in the water, which poses an additional environmental burden.For field applications, the researchers therefore unequivocally recommended activated hydrogen peroxide.<h4>Dosage Matters</h4>It was not just the oxidant’s effectiveness that was key. It was equally important to determine how the chemical reaction would behave in a real geological environment. The team of scientists therefore also analyzed what is known as soil oxidant consumption (SOD). It turned out that a significant portion of the oxidizing agent does not react solely with benzene but is also consumed to a significant extent by the rock environment itself, particularly by natural organic substances present in the fine-grained fraction of the soil.An oxidant consumption value was determined specifically for the local composition of the aquifers, which is essential for the correct dosing of chemicals in the field so that the remediation is not only effective but also economically viable and safe for surrounding ecosystems.<h4>One Year After the Accident: Research Turns into Real-World Assistance</h4>While the public often perceives university science as a distant world of laboratories and grant projects, it is precisely situations like this that demonstrate its practical impact. The results of the work by researchers at CXI TUL did not remain confined to academic studies but directly influenced decisions regarding the technology used to clean up one of the largest environmental accidents in recent years.

Science on the Front Lines: Cleanup of a Benzene Spill

Development of a Flow-through Cell for Ultrasonic Extraction (UE)─Single Particle (SP)─ICP-MS─an Approach for Nano/Microparticle Elemental and Isotopic Analysis

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Since its establishment in 2011, CEITEC has quickly developed into a cutting-edge infrastructure for research which performs highly alongside the best institutes in Europe. Among the main priorities of CEITEC are the promotion of a motivating and dynamic international scientific environment, the provision of state-of-the-art research infrastructure, and the policy of open communication and equal opportunities.

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The Institute for Nanomaterials, Advanced Technologies and Innovations of the Technical University of Liberec, also known as CXI TUL, was founded in 2009. Our mission is to support TUL's long-term vision of collaboration with industry and innovation.

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Thermo Scientific Antaris II FT-NIR Analyzer

The Thermo Scientific Antaris™ II FT-NIR Analyzer enables fast, non-destructive analysis without sample preparation, supporting quality control, process monitoring, and method transfer.

The Thermo Scientific Antaris™ II FT-NIR Analyzer is a Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) analyzer designed for quality control, process monitoring, and method development in industrial environments. Its rugged design and intuitive operation enable reliable analysis directly on the production floor, in warehouses, and in laboratory.The system combines analytical performance with flexibility, supporting seamless method development, transfer, and routine operation. The Antaris II platform ensures reproducible results regardless of configuration, user, or environment, making it ideal for standardized workflows and global deployments.FT-NIR technology enables fast, non-destructive analysis without sample preparation, significantly improving efficiency and reducing operational costs.<h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>FT-NIR spectroscopy for rapid, non-destructive analysis</li><li>Excellent method transferability between instruments</li><li>Rugged industrial design for harsh environments</li><li>Internal HeNe laser calibration – no external calibration required</li><li>Stable, frictionless Michelson interferometer</li><li>Automated workflows and SOP-driven operation</li><li>Fully compliant with regulated environments (GMP, 21 CFR Part 11)</li><li>Low cost of ownership and high reliability</li></ul><h3>Sampling Capabilities</h3>The system offers flexible sampling configurations that can be adapted to different material types and application requirements.<ul><li>Reflectance measurements: solids, powders, pastes</li><li>Transmission measurements: liquids, films, tablets</li><li>Fiber optics for in-line and remote measurements</li><li>Integrating sphere for diffuse reflectance</li><li>Tablet analyzer module</li><li>Automation options (up to ~120 samples per hour)</li></ul><img src="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/Thermo_Scientific_Antaris_II_FT_NIR_Analyzer_29c4d2264a.jpg" alt="Thermo Scientific Antaris II FT-NIR Analyzer" srcset="https://storage.googleapis.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/thumbnail_Thermo_Scientific_Antaris_II_FT_NIR_Analyzer_29c4d2264a.jpg 245w," sizes="100vw" width="1584" height="314"><h3>Software and Data Analysis</h3>Support for multiple software platforms depending on application (routine analysis, method development, chemometrics)<ul><li>RESULT software for routine operation and GMP environments</li><li>OMNIC software for advanced spectral analysis</li><li>The Unscrambler software for chemometric modeling and data interpretation</li></ul><h3>Advantages of FT-NIR Technology</h3><ul><li>No sample preparation required</li><li>Non-destructive analysis</li><li>Fast measurement times</li><li>High accuracy and reproducibility</li><li>Lower cost compared to wet chemistry and LC methods</li><li>Suitable for at-line and in-line analysis</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><ul><li>Analyzer Type: FT-NIR (Fourier Transform Near-Infrared)</li><li>Spectral Range: 12,000 to 3,800 cm⁻¹ (833–2630 nm)</li><li>Resolution: 4 cm⁻¹ (standard), 2 cm⁻¹ (optional)</li><li>Detector: InGaAs</li><li>Source: Long-life halogen NIR source</li><li>Interferometer: Michelson, frictionless design</li><li>Wavenumber Accuracy: ±0.03 cm⁻¹</li><li>Repeatability: &lt;0.006 cm⁻¹</li><li>Reproducibility (system-to-system): &lt;0.05 cm⁻¹</li><li>Operating Temperature: 15–35 °C</li><li>Dimensions (W × D × H): 40.6 × 68.5 × 33 cm</li><li>Weight: 47.7 kg</li></ul><h3>Typical Applications</h3><ul><li>Pharmaceutical industry</li><li>Food and beverage analysis</li><li>Chemical industry</li><li>Polymer and materials analysis</li><li>Raw material identification</li><li>Process analytical technology (PAT, at-line, in-line)</li></ul>

Thermo Scientific Antaris MX FT-NIR Process Analyzer

The Thermo Scientific Antaris™ MX FT-NIR Process Analyzer enables real-time on-line and in-line monitoring, improving product quality, yield, and process efficiency.

The Thermo Scientific Antaris™ MX FT-NIR Process Analyzer is a Fourier Transform Near-Infrared (FT-NIR) analyzer designed for real-time on-line and in-line monitoring of industrial manufacturing processes. It enables continuous measurement of critical quality parameters directly in the process, allowing rapid response to deviations and improved production efficiency.Using fiber-optic technology and multi-point monitoring, the system can simultaneously measure multiple locations within a process using a single analyzer. This eliminates time delays between sampling points and provides true time-aligned data, which is essential for dynamic processes.The Antaris MX is built for demanding production environments, offering high reliability, reproducibility, and seamless integration into process control systems.<h3>Key Features</h3><ul><li>FT-NIR spectroscopy for real-time process analysis</li><li>Simultaneous multi-point monitoring with a single analyzer</li><li>Fiber-optic sampling for remote measurements</li><li>ParaLux™ technology with no mechanical channel switching</li><li>Continuous internal referencing (background correction)</li><li>High stability, sensitivity, and fast response time</li><li>Rugged design for industrial environments</li><li>Low cost of ownership and high system uptime</li></ul><h3>Sampling Capabilities</h3><ul><li>Fiber-optic probes for in-line, on-line, and at-line applications</li><li>Reflectance, transmission, and transflectance measurements</li><li>Simultaneous monitoring of up to 4 process points</li><li>Manual and fully automated sampling</li><li>Specialized probes for fermentation, drying, and slurry processes</li><li>Retractable probes with automated cleaning options</li></ul><h3>Software and Data Analysis</h3><ul><li>RESULT software for workflow control and automation</li><li>TQ Analyst™ for chemometric modeling and calibration transfer</li><li>OPC communication for integration with SCADA/DCS systems</li><li>Compatibility with LIMS, ERP, and tracking systems (RFID, barcode)</li><li>Automated pass/fail decision-making</li></ul><h3>Advantages of FT-NIR in Process Analysis</h3><ul><li>Real-time process feedback</li><li>Non-destructive analysis without sample preparation</li><li>Improved product yield and quality</li><li>Reduced operational costs</li><li>Elimination of delays between measurement and decision</li><li>Support for fully automated process control</li></ul><h3>Technical Specifications</h3><ul><li>Analyzer Type: FT-NIR (Fourier Transform Near-Infrared)</li><li>Spectral Range: 12,000 to 3,800 cm⁻¹ (833–2500 nm)</li><li>Resolution: 4 cm⁻¹ (standard), 2 cm⁻¹ (optional)</li><li>Detector: InGaAs</li><li>Source: Long-life halogen NIR source</li><li>Interferometer: Michelson, frictionless design</li><li>Wavenumber Accuracy: ±0.1 cm⁻¹</li><li>Repeatability: &lt;0.006 cm⁻¹</li><li>Reproducibility: &lt;0.05 cm⁻¹</li><li>Operating Temperature: 15–35 °C</li><li>Dimensions: 48.2 × 40.6 × 24.7 cm</li><li>Weight: 25.8 kg</li></ul><h3>Typical Applications</h3><ul><li>Real-time process monitoring (on-line, in-line)</li><li>Raw material identification and control</li><li>Pharmaceutical and chemical industries</li><li>Fermentation and reaction monitoring</li><li>Quality control in production</li><li>Mobile and at-line analysis</li></ul>

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