ABSTRACT
Nanocomposite thin films (Fig. 19.1) usually involve ceramic or polymeric matrices. The large surface area-to-volume ratio has found large-scale applications in diverse fields. These materials exhibit improved hardness and remarkable magnetoresistance. They also exhibit improved properties compared to the parent materials.1,2 There is
also the possibility of new properties not found in the parent constituent materials. Some of the characteristics of nanocomposite thin films are as follows:
Superior mechanical properties such as strength, hardness, modulus, and fracture toughness
Important applications of the large surface-to-volume ratio in heterogeneous catalysis, heat exchangers, and magnetic devices
Thermal stability and heat distortion temperature Flame retardancy and reduced smoke emissions Improved chemical and wear resistance High levels of magnetoresistance and electrical conductivity
To understand the deformation and damage mechanics of these thin films, several techniques are being developed and applied. The properties of thin films can be different from those of bulk materials even when the chemical composition of the thin film and the bulk material are identical. There are several methods to characterize the mechanical behavior of thin films. One of the popular methods is predicting mechanical properties using depth sensing indentation. Although it is possible to model depth sensing indentation of thin films using the conventional finite element method based on a continuum approach, for very thin films, substrate effects can be significant and the conventional continuum principles may not be applicable. This chapter will address both continuum and atomistic modeling of thin films subjected to nanoindentation.
