Research
Mechanical properties of polymer coatings by nanoindentation
Principal investigator: | Andy BUSHBY |
Co-investigator(s): | F. Guild and ICI Strategic Technologies |
The objective of the research project is to develop nanoindentation test methods appropriate for thin polymer films that are sensitive to the chemistry and structure of the polymers and can detect changes with exposure to environmental conditions. A variety of nanoindentation methods for determining the viscoelastic response of the polymeric materials are used together with finite element modeling of indentation. The methods will be used to assess the response of different polymer coating materials to environmental exposure.