Nanoindentation of polymers

This present work focuses on the surface characterization of reactor-thermoplastic-polyolefin copolymers (R-TPO) for automotive applications to deduce an appropriate parameter as a measure of the surface stickiness behavior. Therefore, nanoindentation experiments are performed and the well-known mechanical contact properties have been determined. Additional, it has been tried to measure an adhesion force between the indenter tip and the material’s surface. The adhesion force has been measured as negative force during unloading and is the tensile force needed to bring the indenter tip to the initial position. Moreover, the verification and correction of the viscoelastic effects have been considered.