Surface-modification of the elastomer poly(dimethylsiloxane) by exposure to oxygen plasma for four minutes creates a thin, stiff film. In this study, the thickness and mechanical properties of this surface-modified layer were determined. Using the phase image capabilities of a tapping-mode atomic-force microscope, the surface-modified region was distinguished from the bulk PDMS; specifically, i...

The objective of this research program is to develop microwave scattering techniques for obtaining quantitative information about the characteristic dimensions of surface cracks in metals. Work carried out during the past year has emphasized experimental techniques. The use of an IF bridge and a nearfield dielectric probe to improve the sensitivity of our 100-GHz eddy-current measurement system...

The impacts of temperature on the surface thermal damage of rock salt, gypsum and mudstone from the Yingcheng salt mine, China were investigated by the surface crack growth and propagation tests at different temperatures. We found that: (a) high temperature could strengthen the rock salt molecular thermal motion and weaken the cohesion among the rock salt grains, so that the grain boundaries we...

A homogenous TiO2 / multi-walled carbon nanotubes(MWCNTs) composite film were prepared by electrophoretic co-deposition from organic suspension on a stainless steel substrate.  In this study, MWCNTs was incorporated to the coating because of their long structure and their capability to be functionalized by different inorganic groups on the surface. FTIR spectroscopy showed the existence of...

We describe a non-destructive and inexpensive way of measuring the interface toughness between polymeric layers in microfabricated devices. A flat surface is bonded under pressure to a surface patterned with microscopic steps. When the pressure is removed, cracks develop at the interface as the material peels away from the steps. The toughness of the bond can be inferred from the crack lengths....

The formation of precipitates, especially along austenite grain boundaries, greatly affects the formation of transverse cracks on the surface of continuous-cast steel. The steel composition and cooling history influences the formation of precipitates, and the higher temperature and corresponding larger grain growth rate under oscillation marks or surface depressions also have an important effec...

This paper reports the potential drop technique as an imaging tool for the clear identification and sensitive evaluation of very small surface cracks. The distributions of d-c potential drop around the surface cracks are obtained by scanning the closely coupled probes potential drop sensor, and a methodology for evaluating a 3-D crack from the potential drop profiles measured across and along t...

‘Golden Delicious’ apples (Malus domestica Borkh) were pressure-infiltrated at harvest with a 4% CaCl2 solution either without prior heat treatment or following 4 days at 38C. Examination of the apple surfaces from both treatments by low-temperature scanning electron microscopy revealed that heat treatment changed the pattern of epicuticular wax. The epicuticular wax of nonheated fruit exhibite...

The competition between transverse surface and sub-surface cracks in a thin, hard coating bonded to polycarbonate substrate due to spherical indentation is investigated in real-time as a function of coating thickness and indenter radius. Fine grain (Y-TZP) and medium grain (alumina) ceramics and pre-abraded amorphous glass are used for the coating. As the coating thickness is reduced, the famil...