DETERMINING THIN FILMS ADHERENCE BY SCRATCH TEST

摘要

Thin films are highly researched today and despite their application, the main role of thin films is to improve the substrates characteristics, either wear resistance, low friction coefficient or decorative aspects. Even if this requires are fulfilled, sometimes adherence is the main factor that limits the applications of the films. Therefore, the present paper aims to present an evaluation of scratch-test, the most popular method for determining adherence of thin films. Main description and schematic principle of the method are made on the base of literature review and the most important guide on scratch test, namely DIN EN 1071-3:2000 Standard. Also, specific results from performing scratch test on decorative thin films are given to sustain the theoretical description, presenting Lcl, Lc2 andLc3 critical loads values.