Mechanical, tribological and adhesion testing laboratory | Institute of Materials Engineering

Science & Research Laboratories and workshops Mechanical, tribological and adhesion testing laboratory

About

The research conducted in the laboratory focuses on the characterization of mechanical and tribological properties of materials, as well as the evaluation of the adhesion of layers and coatings to substrates. The laboratory performs tensile, compression, hardness (macro and micro scale), impact, surface roughness, and wear resistance tests.

The scope of the research includes metallic materials, biomaterials, ceramics, polymers, composites, diffusion layers and coatings, electronic materials, glasses, and porous materials.

The laboratory consists of the following units:

Laboratory of micromechanical and tribological testing
Laboratory of mechanical properties testing

Equipment

Micro Combi Tester MCT³ – a device that enables comprehensive testing of micromechanical properties of materials (including microhardness, elastic modulus, and indentation work) as well as the assessment of coating and layer scratch resistance (scratch test). The system is equipped with a precise control unit that allows for the recording of indentation curves, enabling detailed analysis of the material deformation process during testing. The scratch test allows for determining the critical loads at which cracking, delamination, or coating damage occurs, which constitutes an important criterion for evaluating its adhesion and operational durability.
INSTRON 5982 Universal Testing Machine – a set of equipment designed for testing the mechanical properties of materials, consisting of a testing machine with a force capacity of up to 100 kN, pneumatic grips, a temperature chamber operating from liquid nitrogen temperature up to 300°C, a high-temperature furnace (up to 1000°C), an advanced video extensometer, and a computer-based control and monitoring system. The setup enables the determination of mechanical properties of materials under tension and compression, such as yield strength, proof strength, tensile (compressive) strength, fracture stress, elongation and reduction in area, as well as the modulus of elasticity.
TRN Tribometers – devices designed for conducting tribological tests under rotary, oscillating circular, and linear reciprocating motion. They enable the evaluation of wear resistance of materials, layers, and coatings, as well as the analysis of properties of oils, greases, and solid lubricants. Tests can be performed under both dry friction and lubricated contact conditions.
Vickers Microhardness Tester (Wolpert Wilson Instruments model 401MVD) – allows measurement of material microhardness using the Vickers method. The device enables the evaluation of local mechanical properties, such as the hardness of individual phases, hardened layers, or zones after heat or surface treatment.
Surface Roughness Tester (Mitutoyo Surftest SJ-500) – enables precise measurement of surface roughness parameters with high accuracy. The measurement results are presented as surface profile graphs and parameter summaries, including Ra, Rz, Rt, and others.
Olympus GX-51 Microscope – enables microstructural analysis of materials in reflected light. It is equipped with a high-quality optical system and a digital image recording system, allowing for capturing and archiving of microphotographs.
Radwag AS 310 Laboratory Balance – analytical balance with a readability of 0.1 mg.

Contact

Lab manager:

Aniołek Krzysztof

Biography

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