Pilot investigation of the mechanical properties of wood flooring paint films by in situ imaging nanoindentation

In situ imaging nanoindentation was used to characterize the mechanical properties of pure paint films on eight types of plywood-based flooring with different wear resistance. Correlation between the mechanical properties of paint films and the wear resistance of wood-based floorings was investigated. The average modulus of elasticity (MOE) and hardness of the paint film tested were 3.33–5.77 and 0.19–0.34 GPa, respectively. A strong linear relationship (r2s0.87) between the MOE and hardness of the paint film was found. Neither of these properties was directly correlated to the macro wear resistance of the floorings. Moreover, the composite index H1.5 E-1 – frequently used as an indicator of wear resistance in materials science – was not useful either in evaluating the wear resistance of wood floorings. However, in situ imaging nanoindentation was suitable for characterization of the mechanical properties of paint films, although this technique was not suited for direct evaluation of the wear resistance of wood floorings.