Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Micro- and nanomechanical properties of advanced materials, and of thin films and coatings in particular, has become extremely important for the progress in all high technology fields including optics, photonics, MEMS, aerospace, biomedicine, automotive, security, energy, manufacturing, and others. The assessment of elasto-plastic properties (e.g. Hardness and Youngs modulus), adhesion, stress and wear is important for the evaluation of durability under specific conditions, and for the prediction of a systems behavior. Over the last few years, one of the main areas of specialization of the FCSEL has been in the development of tribological and mechanical testing methodologies to understand and to optimize the mechanical performance of thin film systems. Many of the ongoing and new projects focus on the characterization of very thin films (optics and optoelectronics including interference filters on glass and plastics), and nanostructured surface engineered systems and materials, requiring very low loads, surface mapping and long data acquisition duration using depth-sensing indentation as well as low-load scratching, i.e., a set of characteristics not available with the current equipment. Therefore, in response to the growing demand stimulated by numerous research projects in our laboratory as well as by our collaborators in industry and in university and industrial laboratories, we urgently request a new Nanomechanical Testing Platform to maintain and extend our leading capabilities and expertise in the field of mechanical testing of coatings and surfaces. This system, consisting of a high resolution nanoscratch tester and a ultra-stable nano-indentation tester, will fill the gap and cover the required low load ranges and new functionalities to complement the existing equipment of the FCSEL. If funded, the complete Nanomechanical testing facility at EPM will become one of the best equipped in Canada and internationally to further advance research and training of highly qualified personnel in areas of strategic importance for the economic growth of the country.