Micro Materials

Wrexham, Jun 2010

Micro Materials Ltd (Wrexham, UK) have introduced a new addition to their versatile NanoTest system.

The Environmental Purging system allows for control of the gas content within the NanoTest enclosure. This opens up a vast range of new possibilities in surface and thin-film technology as it allows the measurement and optimisation of mechanical properties for varying atmospheric oxygen content.

Reduced oxidation rates are achieved by replacing oxygen content in the chamber with inert gases such as argon. The system allows for set oxygen levels to be achieved allowing experimental work to be undertaken from 20% oxygen to 0.1% oxygen.

Denise Hoban, MMLs International Business Development Manager, says "This new capability is another in the long list of innovative testing options developed at MML. We were the first manufacturer to offer high temperature testing, and we have the only nano-impact capability available. This tradition of pushing the boundaries of nanomechanical testing highlights our highly innovative approach".

The high temperature capability of the NanoTest system, which allows users to test materials at temperatures up to 750^oC, has been extremely well received by the nanomechanical community. Having established themselves as the only manufacturer capable of reaching such temperatures, MML recognised the role of oxidation which can effect some materials at such high temperatures. The environmental purging chamber is therefore especially useful when used in conjunction with the hot stage, as it allows for vastly reduced oxidisation rates, ensuring accuracy of test measurements.

Established in 1988 Micro Materials Ltd are manufacturers of the innovative NanoTest system, which offers unique nanomechanical test capability to materials researchers for the characterisation and optimisation of thin films, coatings and bulk materials. Techniques include nanoindentation, nano-scratch & wear, nano-impact & fatigue and nano-fretting.