Comparative Nano-indentation Creep Study of Ductile Metal, Ductile Polymer and Polymer-fly Ash Composite

A new study is conducted under same experimental creep conditions to investigate and compare the response of dissimilar materials (metals, polymers and composites) in relation to properties such as hardness and (unloading) ‘reduced modulus' on changing the nano-indentation test parameters. The research uses nano-indentation technique to determine the resistance to plastic deformation in these broadly different materials as a function of maximum load, holding time and loading rate. Wear rate and cutting efficiency of these materials are examined and it is found that only maximum load alters these properties in the three materials. Hardness and ‘reduced modulus' are found to be directly affected by increase or decrease in maximum load, holding time and loading rate.