Surface scratch testing is a test method that continuously measures the force and displacement of a usually diamond-tipped microprobe to create a crack and flake at the interface. The surface scratch test is applied to get an idea of the materials in order to determine the abrasion resistance of modern composite materials and automotive paint varnishes as well as coatings.
The single rough scratch allows for the examination of the system behind the abrasive or ductile damage of the examined samples and the morphology of the scratches with a combination of microscopy techniques. Surface scratch testing applications include commercial polymers, paints and varnishes, multi-layer systems and application-related performances for the automotive industry.
Essentially, the ITS-M0058 standard defines a test method for determining the surface scratch resistance of materials and products for various industries. This test method is the most widely used method to evaluate the adhesion strength of coating-substrate systems. During testing, an ever-increasing load is applied to the coating surface, typically with a 200 µm radius carbide or diamond spherical tip recess as the specimen is displaced at a constant velocity. Scratching of the surface results in increased elastic and plastic deformation at some critical load until coating shedding from the substrate occurs. The critical load is normally determined by optical microscopy, acoustic emission or friction force measurements.
In general, scratch testing should be performed with care, due to the complex stress situations involved and the wide variety of damage processes that can occur. Other factors that may affect test results include loading speed, scratch rate, tip shape, media, and coating-substrate properties (hardness, roughness, and coating thickness).
Surface scratch testing is used to evaluate the dynamic load carrying capacity of coatings under both normal and tangential forces.
In the meantime, surface scratch test is used as a model for wear in order to better understand the systems occurring in wear and the relationship of these systems with the microstructure.
Among the numerous tests, measurements, analyses, and evaluations our organization provides for businesses in various sectors, we also offer surface scratch testing services in accordance with the ITS-M0058 standard, thanks to our trained and expert staff and advanced technological equipment .
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