By directly measuring the coating hardness versus indent depth with a nano-indenter device, testers can determine the sample's elasticity. Alternatively, they can use impulse excitation of a thin sample bar which is subjected to a blow from an impact hammer. A microphone measures the frequency of the signal detected and from this, elastic constants are calculated. A good correlation was found between the elasticity data determined with these methods and acoustic microscopy results. So, the work shows that these three ways are well suited for determination of elasticity of thin coatings.
Abrasion seriously reduces the coating's effectiveness.
Testing this property is complex and difficult. However, the consortium did develop two test procedures to be submitted as standards. The success can be attributed to partners' backgrounds which encompass a range of interests and different cultural approaches. The study also benefited from its neutrality. This ensured that no single product specification was deemed more important than another.