The testing of thin films

This paper describes an instrument being developed by Rhopoint Instrumentation Ltd. in conjunction with Kingston University. The instrument is based on a proof of concept model developed by Reading (1992). The instrument automatically monitors the build up of mechanical and rheological properties in coatings drying on a test panel, across a range of temperatures. This paper describes the design and development of the instrument and discuss a number of its applications. In practical terms the instrument undertakes the role of a 2D robot which is capable of positioning various measuring probes over a drying film. A general purpose thermomechanical testing device of this type is potentially of great value for the of thin films in the coatings industry. This paper is based on a TCS program at Rhopoint Ltd. The purpose of the program was to build a thin film analyser for the paint and coatings industry.