Understanding Nanoindentation: A Key Technique for Characterizing Mechanical Properties at the Nanoscale
High temperature publications 2024
Application Notes
How Nanoindentation Works: Principles and Process - Micro Material UK
Nanoindentation is a technique used to measure the mechanical properties of materials at the nanoscale. It involves applying a precisely controlled force to an indenter that penetrates the surface of a material, and then measuring the depth of indentation as a function of applied force. The resulting load-depth curve provides detailed information about the material’s mechanical behavior, including its hardness, stiffness, elasticity, and other properties at a microscopic scale.
How Nanoindentation Works:
- Indenter and Loading:
An indenter, typically made of diamond or another hard material, is pressed into the surface of the material under a precisely controlled force. The force is increased incrementally, and the indenter continues to penetrate deeper into the material. - Unloading:
After reaching the maximum applied load, the indenter is slowly retracted, and the material begins to recover, showing how well it can return to its original state. - Force-Depth Curve:
The resulting data is plotted as a load vs. depth curve, which is the key to interpreting mechanical properties. From this curve, a range of material properties can be derived.
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Inside a NanoTest Xtreme nanomechanical test system, capable of testing at high temperatures, upto and exceeding 1000 °C , under high vacuum conditions


Image showing high temperature nanoindentation testing at temperatures over 900 °C using the NanoText Xtreme instrument supplied by Micro Materials Ltd
Image taken by Adrian Harris of Micro Materials Ltd, showing localised heating at 950 °C on an Xtreme system


Image taken by Andrew Bird (Micro Materials Ltd), showing localised heating at
750 °C on an Xtreme system in use at the University of Oxford
Nanomechanical testing to 1000 °C
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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.