Skip to main content
Log in

Some complementary scratch resistance characterization methods

  • Published:
Journal of Coatings Technology and Research Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

In the characterization of mar/scratch resistance of coatings/materials with single-probe techniques, the probe usually scrapes the tested surface under a constant load or increasing load, followed by dimensional measurements of the scratch, identification of the critical force at which cracking/fracture occurs, or evaluation with optical instruments. Due to a variety of coatings/materials properties and various application requirements, the single-probe method may not provide pertinent characterization of coatings/materials in their applications in some cases. Three complementary test methods are presented in this article: i.e., a crack density measurement used for fragile thermoplastic olefin (TPO), a repeated scratching test, and a cross-scratching test used for glazing materials for automobile windows.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  1. Khurshudov, A. and Kato, K., “Volume Increase Phenomena in Reciprocal Scratching of Polycarbonate Studied by Atomic Force Microscopy,” J. Vac. Sci. Technol., B, 13 (5), 1938–1944 (1995).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  2. Shen, W., Ji, C., Jones, F.N., Everson, M.P., and Ryntz, R.A., “Measuring Scratch Resistance and Microhardness of Crosslinked Coatings with a Scanning Force Microscope,” Polym. Mater. Sci. Eng., 74, 346 (1996).

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  3. Shen, W., Ji, C., Jones, F.N., Everson, M.P., and Ryntz, R.A., “Measurement by Scanning Force Microscopy of the Scratch and Mar Resistance of Surface Coatings,” Surf. Coat. Int., 79 (6), 253 (1996).

    Google Scholar 

  4. Shen, W., Smith, S.M., Jones, F.N., Ji, C., Ryntz, R.A., and Everson, M.P., “Use of a Scanning Probe Microscope to Measure Marring Mechanisms and Microhardness of Crosslinked Coatings,” J. Coat. Technol., 69, No. 873, 123 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  5. Jones, F.N., Shen, W., Smith, S.M., Huang, Z., and Ryntz, R.A., “Studies of Microhardness and Mar Resistance Using a Scanning Probe Microscope,” Proc. Org. Coat., 34 (1–4), 119 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  6. Han, Y.C., Schmitt, S., and Friendrich, K., “Nanoscale Indentation and Scratch of Short Carbon Fiber Reinforced PEEK/PTFE Composite Blend by Atomic Force Microscope Lithography,” Appl. Composite Mater., 6 (1), 1–18 (1999).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  7. Ryntz, R.A., Abell, B.D., Pollano, G.M., Nguyen, L.H., and Shen, W.C., “Scratch Resistance Behavior of Model Coating Systems,” J. Coat. Technol., 72, No. 904, 47 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  8. Shen, W.C., Jiang, B., and Jones, F.N., “Measurement of Mar Resistance and Study of Marring Mechanism of Polymeric Coatings with Scanning Probe Microscope,” J. Coat. Technol., 72, No. 907, 89 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  9. Du, B., VanLandingham, M.R., Zhang, Q., and He, T., “Direct Measurement of Plowing Friction and Wear of a Polymer Thin Film Using the Atomic Force Microscope,” J. Mater. Res., 16 (5) 1487–1492 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  10. Jardret, V., Zahouani, H., Loubet, J.L., and Mathia, T.G., “Understanding and Quantification of Elastic and Plastic Deformation During a Scratch Test,” Wear, 218 (1), 8–14 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  11. Consiglio, R., Randall, N.X., Bellaton, B., and von Stebut, J., “The Nano-Scratch Tester (NST) as a New Tool for Assessing the Strength of Ultrathin Hard Coatings and the Mar Resistance of Polymer Films,” Thin Solid Films, 332 (1–2), 151–156 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  12. Jardret, V., Lucas, B.N., Oliver, W., and Ramamurthy, A.C., “Scratch Durability of Automotive Clear Coatings: A Quantitative, Reliable and Robust Methodology,” J. Coat. Technol., 72, No. 907, 79 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  13. Bertrand-Lambotte, P., Loubet, J.L., Verpy, C., and Pavan, S., “Understanding of Automotive Clearcoats Scratch Resistance,” Thin Solid Films, 420, 281–286 (2002).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  14. Shen, W., Sun, J., Liu, Z., Mao, W., Nordstrom, J.D., Ziemer, P.D., and Jones, F.N., “Methods for Study of Mechanical and Tribological Properties of Hard and Soft Coatings with a Nano-Indenter,” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 1, No. 2, 117 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  15. VanLandingham, M.R., Sung, L.P., Chang, N.K., Wu, T.Y., Chang, S.H., and Jardret, V., “Measurement Approaches to Develop a Fundamental Understanding of Scratch and Mar Resistance,” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 1, No. 4, 257 (2004).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  16. Ni, B.Y., and leFaou, A., “Scratching Behavior of Polymer Films Using Blunt Spherical Styli,” J. Mater. Sci., 31 (15), 3955–3963 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  17. Kody, R.S., and Martin, D.C., “Quantitative Characterization of Surface Deformation in Polymer Composites Using Digital Image Analysis,” Polym. Eng. Sci., 36 (2), 298–304 (1996).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  18. Briscoe, B.J., Pelillo, E., and Sinha, S.K., “Characterization of the Scratch Deformation Mechanisms for Poly(methylmethacrylate) Using Surface Optical Reflectivity,” Polym. Int., 43 (4), 359–367 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  19. Adamsons, K., Blackman, G., Gregorovich, B., Lin, L., and Matheson, R., “Oligomers in the Evolution of Automotive Clearcoats: Mechanical Performance Testing as a Function of Exposure,” Prog. Org. Coat., 34 (1–4), 64–74 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  20. Briscoe, B.J., Delfino, A., and Pelillo, E., “Single-pass Pendulum Scratching of Poly(styrene) and Poly(methylmethacrylate),” Wear, 229, 319–328 (1999).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  21. Chu, J., Xiang, C., Sue, H.J., and Hollis, R.D., “Scratch Resistance of Mineral-Filled Polypropylene Materials,” Polym. Eng. Sci., 40 (4), 944–955 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  22. Gauthier, C. and Schirrer, R., “Time and Temperature Dependence of the Scratch Properties of Poly(methylmethacrylate) Surfaces,” J. Mater. Sci., 35 (9), 2121–2130 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  23. Xiang, C., Sue, H.J., Chu, J., and Coleman, B., “Scratch Behavior and Material Property Relationship in Polymers,” J. Polym. Sci., Part B: Polym. Phys., 39 (1), 47–59 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  24. Gauthier, C., Lafaye, S., and Schirrer, R., “Elastic Recovery of a Scratch in a Polymetric Surface: Experiments and Analysis,” Tribology International, 34 (7), 469–479 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  25. Yaneff, P.V., Adamsons, K., Ryntz, R.A., and Britz, D., “Structure/Property Relationships in Flexible Alkoxysilane Automotive Coatings,” J. Coat. Technol., 74, No. 933, 135 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  26. Ryntz, R.A. and Britz, D., “Scratch Resistance Behavior of Automotive Plastic Coatings,” J. Coat. Technol., 74, No. 925, 77 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  27. Krupicka, A., Johansson, M., and Hult, A., “Use and Interpretation of Scratch Tests on Ductile Polymer Coatings,” Prog. Org. Coat., 46 (1), 32–48 (2003).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  28. Wichterman, B. and Welland, W., “Scratch Damage and Behavior of Painted and Mold-in-Color Interior Materials Using a New Test Methodology,” Conference Proceedings, SPE Automotive TPO Global Conference, Dearborn, MI, October 3–6, 2005.

  29. Welland, W., Ryntz, R., and Witchterman, B., “Paint vs. Mold-in-Color: Damage Resistance in Interior Applications,” Conference Proceedings, SPE Automotive TPO Global Conference, Dearborn, MI, October 3–6, 2005.

  30. Lin, L., Blackman, G.S., and Matheson, R.R., in Microstructure and Micotribology of Polymer Surface, Tsukruk, V.V. and Wahl, K.J. (Eds.), published by The American Chemical Society, Chapter 27, 1999.

    Google Scholar 

  31. Lin, L., Blackman, G.S., and Matheson, R.R., “A New Approach to Characterize Scratch and Mar Resistance of Automotive Coatings,” Prog. Org. Coat., 40 (1–4), 85–91 (2000).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  32. Courter, J.L. and Kamenetzky, E.A., “Creative Advances in Coating Technology,” presented at the 5th Nurnberg Congress, Nurnberg, Germany, April 1999.

  33. Shen, W., Jiang, B., Gasworth, S.M., and Mukamal, H., “Study of Tribological Properties of Coating/Substrate System in Micrometer and Nanometer Scales with a Scanning Probe Microscope,” Tribology International, 34 (2), 135–142 (2001).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  34. Ryntz, R.A., “Attaining Durable Painted Plastic Components,” J. Coat. Technol. Res., 2, No. 5, 351 (2005).

    Article  Google Scholar 

  35. Chu, J., Rumao, L., and Coleman, B., “Scratch and Mar Resistance of Filled Polypropylene Materials,” Polym. Eng. Sci., 38 (11), 1906–1914 (1998).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  36. Arruda, E.M., Ahzi, S., Li, Y., and Ganesan, A., “Rate Dependent Deformation of Semi-Crystalline Polypropylene Near Room Temperature,” J. Eng. Mater. Tech., 119, 216–222 (1997).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  37. Sun, J., Mukamal, H., Liu, Z., and Shen, W., “Analysis of the Taber Test in Characterization of Automotive Side Windows,” Tribology Letters, 13 (1), 49–54 (2002).

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

Authors

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Weidian Shen.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Mi, L., Ling, H., Shen, W. et al. Some complementary scratch resistance characterization methods. J Coat. Technol. Res. 3, 249–255 (2006). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-006-0020-7

Download citation

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11998-006-0020-7

Keywords

Navigation