Hardness
Samples are assessed for hardness using a Struers Duramin-1 hardness tester. A typical hardness test, e.g., Vickers, involves the lowering of a diamond indenter onto the surface of the test specimen at a known load. The resulting indent is then examined and measured.

Wear
Wear testing is primary used for assessing coating quality and involves the scratching of the test specimen surface with a ceramic ball over a set time and with a known load. With sufficient load and test duration, the coating will deteriorate and remove to expose the underlying substrate material. The resulting wear scar is often examined with SEM and assessed with EDX to determine the degree of coating removal.

Elasticity (Tensile) 
An Instron apparatus that is capable of the application of tensile, compressive, shear or cyclic fatigue loads. Testing can be performed at a range of temperatures, normally between room temperature and 300°C but low temperature work is also a possibility.

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Zoe Sullivan on +44-1727-871 307 or zoe.sullivan@itri.co.uk
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