Ceramics

Nanoindentation is a fast and accurate means of measuring localized elastic, fracture, and hardness properties of individual microstructural components within a bulk ceramic. Highly precise test placement accuracy combined with sensitive control over the nanoindentation process enables quantitative, high-resolution mechanical property measurements to be achieved along with spatially resolved mechanical property maps. The information achieved through nanomechanical testing accelerates understanding of ceramic systems and provides a foundation for continued development. 

The use of ceramics for tribological applications requires the ability to understand localized mechanisms and the capability of modifying microstructural constituents to meet desired tribological performance. Bruker's Hysitron instruments utilize a rigid scratch probe to provide a quantitative measurement of the nanoscale-to-microscale wear and friction properties of ceramics. The ability to conduct tests on individual constituents within the ceramic and create maps of tribological properties over a surface enhances understanding of nano/microscale wear processes and aids in designing and developing new tribological materials.