Correlation between the wear resistance, and the scratch resistance, for nanocomposite coatings

The nanoscratch test, used in this study, quantitatively characterizes the scratch behaviour of coatings. Some of the obtained parameters are plastic and elastic deformation, critical load to start the scratch, chipping or other change in the scratch mechanism of the coating. The knowledge of the scratch mechanism allows the optimisation of the material behaviour. In the present study the scratch resistance with the wear resistance has been correlated for nanocomposite coatings. Knowledge of mechanical properties extracted from the scratch test, supports the optimization of the coating against wear. The study was applied to nanocomposite coatings with different polymer matrices, different percentages and nature of nanoparticles. (C) 2010 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.