Physical Sciences and Mathematics Commons^™

Microscale And Nanoscale Testing Of Materials Using Scanning Probe Technologies, Mark Phelan

Theses

Understanding solid surfaces and their properties is of crucial importance for many sectors of industry. This interest stems from the fact that solid surfaces are the working interface between a solid material and its environment and in many cases it is this interface which determines both the suitability and life span of a mechanical component. Furthermore the modification of surface properties using coatings and multi-layered materials has grown significantly, particularly in the case of data storage, optics and microelectronics. The demands of these and other sectors have provided the impetus for the development of material testing techniques applicable to coatings …