Other Techniques
The range of test techniques available on the NanoTest includes the following additional capabilities.
1) Electrical Contact Resistance Measurements
Using an adapted indenter to measure electrical resistance during indentation gives the user information on the electrical characteristics of the surface/ particles under investigation.
Recommended reading:
Mechanical and
Electrical Characterisation of Individual ACA Conductor
Particles,
G. Dou, D. Whalley and C. Liu.
International
Conference on Electronic Materials and Packaging, 2006. EMAP
2006.
2) Acoustic Emission
Acoustic detection of adhesion failure and fracture during scratch testing can give complementary information to depth or friction measurements.
Recommended reading:
Acoustic Emission Analysis of Nanoindentation-Induced Fracture Events, P. Dyjak & R.P. Singh, Experimental Mechanics (2006) 46: 333–345.
3) Humidity Control
Ambient humidity can effect the mechanical properties of materials. The humidity control offered with the NanoTest system can be used either to regulate ambient humidity, or to alter humidity levels in order to investigate any effects this may have on sample properties.
