Gazette 2011

//// Nanoindentation, a useful method to test extremely soft materials

The characterization of the mechanical properties of tissues and other biological materials is becoming an important topic in today’s biomedical research.

Nanoindentation is a useful method that allows assessment of mechanical properties on soft elastomers and hydrogels.

The UNHT is well suitable for bio applications.

//// Tribological testing of polymeric materials used in total joint prostheses (based on ASTM F732)

Tribology methods are applied to all type of prosthesis for wear resistance applications.

Our Tribometer can be used for different applications on biomaterials under various liquids as Bovine Serum.

To read more about this study, go on page 1 of our CSM Gazette, article 3.

//// Nanoindentation to Quantify Hardness Regions of the Campo del Cielo Meteorites

The Campo del Cielo meteorite group is postulated to have fallen to Earth ~4000-5000 years ago over northern Argentina.

A grid indentation were made with our Table Top Nanoindentation Tester (TTX-NHT²) to characterize all different phases.

For further details related to this study, go on page 2 of our Gazette, article 4.

//// Nanoindentation Studies of Hydrated Cement Paste Exposed to Different Relative Humidities

Hydrated cement paste is the main binder component of cementitious materials such as concretes, mortars, plasters and other structural composites. The amount of the interlayer water plays its role also in the mechanical response of the whole silicate. Elastic properties change during sorption-desorption cycles.

Nanoindentation experiments were carried out with our Nanoindentation Tester (NHT) in a humidity chamber.

Go on page 2 of our CSM Gazette, article 5.

//// Nano- and Micro Indentation at Elevated Temperatures

As properties of surface coatings or small components can be challenging to measure, we have developed several solutions for nano- and microindentation test at elevated temperature.

> Micro Indentation Tester (MHT) for high force range
> Ultra Nanoindentation Tester (UNHT) for lower force range

In both cases a standard heating stage is used to reach the desired temperature.

Read this article on page 2 of our CSM Gazette, article 6.

//// New Indentation Software V5

The new Indentation software V5, has been developed with brand new features in order to help our customers to use our instruments more efficiently and accurately.

To discover about these new features, go on page 2, article 8.

//// Correlation Between Adhesion Strength and ThinFilm/Substrate Mechanical Properties

In recent years, nano scratch testing has emerged as a methodology specifically designed for ultra-thin film characterization with high resolution and accuracy. Compared to the pull-off test, the nano scratch technique provides a more comprehensive picture of different film failure mechanisms such as cracking, chipping and delamination.

Three thin films were deposited using sputtering onto different polished substrate materials and a full Scratch Test studies is explain on page 3, article 10.

//// New Method For Determination of Fracture Toughness with the Scratch Test

Researchers at the Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) have recently developed a new method which permits the evaluation of fracture toughness directly from the output of a CSM Instruments progressive load scratch test

To read more about this method and Revetest experiments, go on page 3 of our CSM Gazette, article 11.

//// Scratch Resistance of Polymeric Coatings in Marine Applications

Dr. James G. Kohl from University of San Diego is working on silicone coatings which are currently being investigated as foul release coatings on ships hulls.

To view the research on our Revetest (RST), go on page 3 of our CSM Gazette, article 12.

//// Modeling of Scratch Tests

Scratch testing method can be even more powerful if the results of analysis can be correlated by modelizaton software.

To read more about these scratch and nanoindentation simulations, go on page 3, article 13.

//// Tribocorrosion Tests

The set up for a tribocorrosion kit combines tribology and electrochemical measurements.

Read more about tribocorrosion on page 4 of our CSM Gazette, article 14.

//// Tribometer combined with a Profilometer

Combination of pin-on disk tribometer and tactile profilometer leads to a better understanding of
wear kinetics of a coating or bulk material.

To view our compact profilometer in front of an elastic arm of Tribometer and its measurement results, go on page 4 of our CSM Gazette, article 15.

//// Analysis of Hydrogel Contact Lens Frictional Behavior in Liquid Environment

Our Nano Tribometer2 (NTR2) has bridged the applied load gap between conventional Ball-on-Disc Tribometers and AFM allowing a much greater variation in contact conditions.

To read more about our study of the friction of senofilcon-A lenses, go on page 4, article 16.

//// Special Sample Holders for Contact Lens and Fibers on NanoTribometer (NTR2)

In a continuous improvement of measurements, we offer specific sample holders for contact lenses and fibers, providing solutions for holding very elastic or thin samples.
Additional sample holders are also available on request.

//// ISO 14577: Instrumented Indentation

CSM Instruments is one of the only manufacturer involved in the Working Group for standardization ISO 14577 for Instrumented Indentation Testing (ITT).