In this application, the Nanovea Mechanical Tester in its nano scratch testing mode is used to measure the load required to cause failure to a microstructure. We must simulate the process of scratching in a controlled and monitored manner to observe scratch resistance. A 10μm diamond tipped stylus is used at a progressive load ranging from 10 mN to 20 mN to scratch the microstructure. The point where the coating fails by cracking is taken as the point of failure.

Scratch Resistance of Microstructure using Scratch Testing