Liquid Cell Nanomechanical Testing
Liquid cell
Technical Notes
Comprehensive Testing Under Full Liquid Submersion
The liquid cell allows samples to be tested with the indenter and sample under full liquid submersion.
The liquid cell can be used to study the sensitivity of sample properties to liquids including water, oils, solvents etc, or, to maintain the condition of sample such as bio-tissues. To even better replicate real-world conditions, the cell may be heated.
All test types including indentation, scratch and wear tests are possible in the liquid cell.

NanoTest™ Vantage™ with liquid cell fitted.
The design of the cell allows it to be used in conjunction with the instrument microscope for targeting specific regions of interest.
The liquid cell offers sufficient room for the inclusion of ancillary test / environmental control equipment, e.g. pH meters and potentiostats.
Heating to 40° C is possible.
5 mN nanoindentation tests have been performed on a nylon 6 sample in dry and wet conditions.
Plasticisation of the nylon by water breaks intramolecular H-bonds, allowing greater chain mobility, causing significant decrease in polymer stiffness


This nano-impact in liquid example shows the effect of water submersion on a mantis shrimp dactyl club in response to cyclic impact fatigue tests.
The complex microstructure of the dactyl club results in remarkable mechanical properties given its composition and it is being studied by researchers in the field of bio-inspired materials engineering.
Explore More
To further enhance your experience and understanding, we invite you to check out the following pages on our website that we believe are essential to your journey with us:
- High-Temperature Nanoindentation Testing for Advanced Material Characterization
- Advanced Nano Scratch and Wear Testing for Coatings and Materials
- Nano-Impact Testing for Advanced Material Performance in High-Stress Applications
These pages offer valuable insights and resources to help you achieve your goals.