On the application of the work-of-indentation approach to depth-sensing indentation experiments in coated systems

• Published in: Surface & coatings technology Vol. 137; no. 2; pp. 217 - 224
• Main Authors: Tuck, Jonathan R., Korsunsky, Alexander M., Bull, Steve J., Davidson, Rob I.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Lausanne Elsevier B.V 15-03-2001; Elsevier
• Subjects: Arc evaporation (C); Atomic force microscopy (AFM) (B); Characterization model (X); Condensed matter: structure, mechanical and thermal properties; Exact sciences and technology; Ion beam evaporation (C); Mechanical and acoustical properties; Nano-indentation (B); Physical properties of thin films, nonelectronic; Physics; Surfaces and interfaces; thin films and whiskers (structure and nonelectronic properties); Vickers hardness test (B); Characterization model (X); Ion beam evaporation (C); Vickers hardness test (B); Arc evaporation (C); Atomic force microscopy (AFM) (B); Nano-indentation (B); Thin films; Atomic force microscopy; Vickers hardness; Theoretical study; Mechanical properties; Plastic deformation; Evaporation; Coatings; Vacuum evaporation; Indentation
• ISSN: 0257-8972; 1879-3347
• DOI: 10.1016/S0257-8972(00)01063-X

The work-of-indentation approach is developed and applied for hardness calculations in soft or hard materials, and also for a range of coated systems. The method appears to be less sensitive than other definitions to the effects of pile-up observed in soft materials. Work-of-indentation hardness is calculated directly from the energy of indentation without the need for estimating penetration depths, areas or volumes, which can be time consuming and inaccurate. In particular, using the plastic component of the work-of-indentation yields consistent results across the range of materials studied. The method breaks down, however, at very low loads and small penetration depths, which is likely to be due to deviations from the ideal tip geometry.