The project involves the difficult technical challenge of making accurate nanomechanical measurements at cryogenic temperatures (down to -180C). Micro Materials will work together with NPL to solve this through development of a robust test methodology for minimising thermal drift effects using novel indenter cooling and liquid nitrogen cooling. It will extend the low temperature capability of Micro Materials' NanoTest Xtreme instrument from -40C to -180C.

The project is a 18 month feasibility study which is a collaboration between (1) Micro Materials Ltd, a SME manufacturer of advanced nanomechanical test instrumentation, (2) Thin Metal Films Ltd, a SME manufacturer of advanced optical coatings, and (3) Cranfield University, a research organisation. The project will develop new tools for coating characterisation under real-world conditions and use them to develop coatings with improved erosion resistance, providing the UK's surface engineering and advanced coatings sector with a nanomechanical testing capability to 1200 degrees C, for faster and cheaper coating development.

"**Nanomechanical testing is a revolutionary technique in improving our fundamental understanding of the basis of mechanical properties of materials and the importance of the nanoscale behaviour on their performance. It is important to measure nanomechanical properties at testing temperatures that are close to their operating conditions. The results are more relevant and the links between properties and performance and design of advanced materials systems for increasingly demanding applications are better understood.** **Despite this, nanomechanical testing is usually carried out at room temperature since achieving reliable high temperature nanomechanical testing results requires a combination of very high level of thermal stability with test probe durability at high forces and temperatures making it extremely challenging experimentally. In this project we are investigating ways to improve the durability of the test probes by increasing their bonding strength and using prototype probes made by the newly developed processes to test coatings and thin films at higher temperatures than currently are possible. The results of the testing will be used to improve the performance of innovative erosion-resistant coatings operating in harsh environments in aerospace, automotive, coatings and nuclear industries.**"

The project will develop an innovative coating characterisation tool – the high temperature micro-scale impact test - that will be used by the Surface engineering and advanced coatings Industry in the R&D of advanced coatings operating under extreme conditions in jet and automotive engines, so they can be optimised for high durability and avoid coating failure or unacceptably high levels of wear.