The Nanoindentation module for

nano- and micro-hardness

testing

• hardness testing of thin films and coatings less than 50 nm thick

• Micro Materials load-partial unload technique - profiles the variation of hardness and modulus with depth within minutes

• unique pendulum design for superior vibrational stability

• precise repositioning technique allows investigation of small particles, fibres, wires and complex inhomogeneous samples such as integrated circuits

• simple to use with user-friendly software for rapid training and fully automated data analysis

• integration with an Atomic Force Microscope if required

• optional fully automated scheduling system - allows overnight operation to ensure maximum productivity - up to 100 nanoindentation experiments each containing up to 100 nanoindentations to be performed at a convenient time at specified locations on one or more samples

• environmental control for excellent data reproducibility even at ultra-low load

Operating principles of the NanoTest nanoindentation module

The nanoindentation module is at the heart of the NanoTest materials testing centre. It's unrivalled performance is due to its unique pendulum design which combines superior vibrational stability with the ability to carry out a wide range of measurements (such as impact testing and high temperature nanoindentation) providing the most complete nanoscale mechanical properties testing centre available today.

To measure nanomechanical properties (such as micro-hardness and elastic modulus), a very small calibrated diamond probe is brought into contact with the sample surface and a load is applied by means of a coil and magnet located at the top of the pendulum. The resultant displacement of the probe into the surface is monitored with a sensitive capacitive transducer and displayed in real time as a function of load. To produce accurate nano-hardness and modulus results, all instrument calibrations are performed automatically.
 

Micro Materials load-partial unload technique - designed to rapidly profile the depth variation of micro-hardness and modulus

To improve productivity, we have developed the load-partial unload technique, which comes as standard with the nanoindentation module. The indent is partially unloaded before reloading to a higher load at the same position. By repeating the process a complete profile of the variation of hardness and modulus with depth can be built up in a matter of minutes.
 

Applications Include

• Hard coatings - e.g. nanoindentation reveals quality of titanium nitride coatings

• Microelectronics - e.g. nanoindentation into bond pads is a quantitative test of integrated circuit reliability

• Pharmaceutical - e.g. indentation testing of aspirin tablets

• Thin Film Technology - e.g. adhesion failure

• Polymers

• Turbine Blades

• Bearings