Testing of Mechanical Properties of InnerArmor Coatings

Before becoming qualified, each InnerArmor film is subjected to rigorous testing in Sub-One laboratories. This means in-depth measurement of the film’s thickness, hardness, modulus, toughness, adhesion, wear, coefficient of friction, strain, corrosion resistance, erosion resistance and more. To do that, Sub-One laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art test equipment, and film properties are measured following ASTM specifications whenever possible.

Thickness Testing On InnerArmor Coating

To determine thickness, a ball of known diameter is used to wear through the film and thickness is computed by geometry. Sub-One uses a micro-indenter to measure hardness and modulus by driving a diamond tip into the film at a set force.

Adhesion Strength Testing On InnerArmor Coating

To measure adhesion strength, a diamond stylus is repeatedly drawn across the film surface at a fixed rate and under progressive loading, until the critical load first delaminates the film. A linear reciprocating tribometer is used to measure wear resistance and coefficient of friction.

Corrosion Protection Testing On InnerArmor Coating

In developing corrosion-protection coatings, Sub-One uses two methods to measure the porosity and corrosion resistance of films. The first is an electrical test for pinholes, the second is the application of strong acids.

Erosion Testing On InnerArmor Coating

To test erosion, Sub-One has constructed a special test apparatus (with ASTM specifications) that can control sand flow rate, velocity and impact angle.

Advantages of InnerArmor Coating Over Conventional Techniques

The more testing done on InnerArmor internal coatings, the more advantages that are noted over techniques such as electroplating, ceramic coating, HVOF sprays, hard chrome, CVD, polymers and others used in the past.

InnerArmor films can use multiple layers to achieve finely-tuned performance characteristics. This SEM photo shows a four-layer film.

This information has been sourced, reviewed and adapted from materials provided by Sub-One Technology - Pipe and Tube Coatings.

For more information on this source, please visit Sub-One Technology - Pipe and Tube Coatings.