Studies of microhardness and mar resistance using a scanning probe microscope

Scanning probe microscopy (SPM) is in a period of rapid development. It shows great promise for characterizing coating surfaces. This paper describes modification of an SPM so that it can be used to mar the surfaces of coatings under controlled conditions and to characterize the mars. Mar resistance of coatings is analyzed in terms of a ‘three response, two mechanism model.' The three responses (fracture, elastic, and plastic) can be measured quantitatively using the SPM. Of the three responses, only two (fracture and plastic deformation) are marring mechanisms – elastic deformations recover instantaneously. In some cases mars resulting from plastic deformation may recover slowly with time or with immersion in water; this phenomenon is attributed to viscoelastic creep. Microhardness is also measured with the modified SPM. Some thermoset coatings appear to be substantially harder near their surfaces than in the mass of material, and such materials may respond quite differently to stress applied at different levels near the surface. This finding has important implications for all coating properties that are strongly influenced by the surface. A quantity called ‘micro mar resistance' is defined. It may be useful for comparing different coatings under specified conditions of marring. However, there can be no single quantity that expresses ‘mar resistance' of a coating under all conditions.