Nanoscratch test — A tool for evaluation of cohesive and adhesive properties of thin films and coatings

Regional Centre of Advanced Technologies and Materials, Joint Laboratory of Optics of Palacky University and Institute of Physics of Academy of Sciences of the Czech Republic, Faculty of Science, Palacky University, 17. listopadu 12, 77146 Olomouc, Czech Republic

Abstract

Thin films and coatings play an essential role in the whole range of applications. The example par excellence are optical thin films that broaden the possibilities of design of optical components. Analogically to other applications of thin films their mechanical properties are very important for their successful applicability and reliability. This becomes especially vital when they are employed in rough service conditions. As thin films on substrates inherently create a compact system the strength of the film-substrate interface is of great importance. Several experimental methods have been developed for qualification and quantification of the mechanical stability of the film-substrate system. In this paper, some brief introduction into the nanoscratch test is introduced. It is currently the most widely used method to evaluate and to test cohesive-adhesive properties of thin films and coatings.