Nanoindentation for mechanical assessment of adhesive films and coatings
Nanoindentation technique for quantifying mechanical properties of adhesive films and coatings, including elastic modulus, contact pressure, and pull-off adhesion forces. Uses adhesive contact mechanics models such as JKR and DMT to estimate adhesive surface energy and related material parameters. Designed for soft materials and supports automated, high-throughput testing with integration of nanoscale dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) to capture viscoelastic response.
Overview
This solution leverages nanoindentation technology to evaluate the mechanical properties of adhesive films and coatings. Nanoindentation has evolved from applications in metals and ceramics to quantitative assessment of softer materials such as polymers and biological tissues. The method measures elastic modulus, contact pressure, and pull-off adhesion forces, using adhesive contact mechanics theories such as JKR and DMT. The goal is to determine adhesive surface energy and other critical material properties to improve understanding of material performance.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Advanced nanoindenter with an extended-range transducer for soft material characterization
- Automated high-throughput testing routines, capable of analyzing up to 50 samples per day
- Integration of nanoscale dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) for viscoelastic response quantification, including loss and storage moduli
- Validates relationships between pull-off adhesion, contact pressure, and elastic modulus
- Adaptable to standard adhesive contact mechanics theories, accommodating variations in tip size and shape
Technology readiness level
Currently at Technology Readiness Level 4, this nanoindentation method has been developed and validated in a laboratory setting. Future validation plans include testing standard samples and further optimizing measurement throughput and accuracy. The approach is designed to be accessible with commercially available instrumentation, supporting ease of adoption in research environments.
About Arkansas State University
Arkansas State University is a comprehensive public research university in Jonesboro with doctoral programs and an applied, regionally engaged character. Companies plug into shared-use core labs and collaborative spaces that bring faculty, students, and engineers together, while an on-campus medical-school partnership enables clinical collaborations with regional health systems. Its location in Northeast Arkansas places A‑State amid a growing manufacturing and logistics corridor and the heart of Delta agriculture, providing convenient access to plants, suppliers, farms, and hospitals for pilots, validation, and workforce pipelines. Research is supported by competitive federal and state funding, including awards from agencies such as NSF, NIH, USDA, and DOE. A dedicated technology transfer office accelerates IP protection, sponsored research agreements, and startup formation.
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