Mechanical characterization of individual Ni/Au coated microsize polymer particles Guangbin Dou David Whalley Changqing Liu 2134/5276 https://repository.lboro.ac.uk/articles/journal_contribution/Mechanical_characterization_of_individual_Ni_Au_coated_microsize_polymer_particles/9560771 We report on a mechanical characterization technique for individual Ni/Au coated microsize polymer particles. This technique allows a clearer understanding of the effects of load force and rate on the particle deformation. This has been achieved through measurements of the deformation against force using a specially configured nanoindenter machine, where the “indenters,” instead of being pointed, had a flat tip of 20 m in diameter. The results show that the particle deformation process is nonlinear and that the force/deformation at which particle crushing occurs is affected by the load rate. The technique could be used to design/manufacture more effective conductive particles. 2009-09-08 15:23:33 untagged Mechanical Engineering not elsewhere classified