Parth Kotak, Anton Paar USA Inc, Torrance, CA
Mechanical reliability is a critical performance requirement for vacuum-deposited coatings. Properties such as hardness, elastic modulus, and adhesion strength influence wear behavior, surface durability, and overall functional lifetime. This presentation will introduce two key surface characterization techniques, namely nanoindentation and scratch testing, and demonstrate how they provide insight into the mechanical performance of vacuum coatings.
Nanoindentation is a technique for localized measurement of mechanical properties, making it particularly well suited for thin films and multilayered coating systems. Beyond measuring indentation hardness and elastic modulus, indentation also evaluates the evolution of mechanical properties with depth, assessment of material yielding, and estimation of fracture toughness. In this talk, emphasis will be placed on selecting appropriate testing parameters such as correct tip selection, substrate influence, and non-ideal material responses, to ensure reliable and reproducible results.
Scratch testing complements indentation by evaluating coating adhesion and scratch resistance. Critical loads associated with cohesive and adhesive failure modes can be identified through synchronized panorama images, in-situ depth monitoring, and acoustic emission and friction force data. The talk will highlight best practices in scratch test method development, including maximum force and loading rate determination, scratch tip selection, and failure mode interpretation, particularly for vacuum coatings.
Through selected application examples relevant to vacuum coatings, this presentation will illustrate how combining indentation and scratch testing, provides a more complete understanding of mechanical durability.
Overall, this talk will provide a practical framework for applying nanoindentation and scratch testing to vacuum coating systems, by emphasizing best measurement parameters and real-world applications.