Caractérisation de l'adhérence des revêtements par indentation normale : une revue bibliographique

Normal indentation has been proposed by many different authors as a test which allows for the determination of the interfacial strenght of coatings used in a diverse range of technological areas. This test has several advantages: ease of use, non destructivity, and the possibility of determining the real adhesion of the coating/substrate system. This paper reviews various theories on the normal indentation test, which provide a mechanical interpretation of the test.For the testing of ceramic coatings with a Rockwell or a Vickers test, Evans et al propose two theories: one which describes peeling of a film by cleavage, the other, separation of the film from its substrate caused by buckling. Quinto et al propose another interpretation, based on ex perimental data. For polymeric films, which have been much studied, Ritter et al propose an interpretation with a spherical or a Vickers indentor. Engel, Conway, Sura el al have developed a test with a needle-like indentor. It is interesting to note that a certain number of authors have tried to characterize interfacial strength of polymer films via normal indentation. We have thus broadened our report to cover this area of study.