Micro-impact testing: A novel nano-/micro-tribological tool for assessing the performance of wear-resistant coatings under impact/fatigue conditions

A novel repetitive contact technique, micro-impact testing, has been develo ped for coating evaluation. Impact test results have proved a more consiste nt measure of coating performance under impact/fatigue conditions than trad itional tribological methods such as scratch or pin-on-disk testing. The op erating principles of the technique are described with some illustrative re sults on hard and soft coatings. The technique can provide information on i mpact wear resistance, susceptibility to brittle fracture, and strength of interfacial adhesion to substrate.