Coupled thin film adhesion characterization and surface chemistry diagnostics
A tool that integrates fracture/delamination testing with surface chemistry diagnostics to improve thin film adhesion characterization. By combining mechanistic adhesion measurements with surface spectroscopy, it enables more precise, quantitative feedback for optimizing adhesion properties. The approach supports high-throughput screening of many model formulations and helps rank durability and reliability for pressure-sensitive adhesives and coatings in application-relevant contexts.
Overview
The proposed solution offers an advanced tool that combines fracture/delamination testing with surface chemistry diagnostics to provide comprehensive characterization of thin film adhesion. This integration enables more precise and mechanistic understanding of adhesion properties, supporting optimization of material development in a high-throughput manner. By coupling these diagnostics, the tool will enhance the ability to rank and assess the durability and reliability of pressure-sensitive adhesives (PSAs) and coatings in specific applications.
Technical specifications
Key features:
- Integration of fracture mechanics-based characterization with surface chemistry diagnostics.
- High-throughput screening capability for a large number of model recipes.
- Provides quantitative feedback for optimizing adhesion properties.
- Utilizes existing testing devices such as double cantilever, peel, and blister tests, alongside surface spectroscopy tools like FTIR, XPS, and LIBS.
- Designed to adapt to specific industrial requirements for assessing PSAs and coatings.
Technology readiness level
The current technology readiness level is 4, indicating that the core components have been validated in a laboratory environment. Future steps involve the development of a tailored delamination tool for specific industrial needs, with integration into a turnkey package already underway by an industrial partner.
About University of Texas at Austin
The University of Texas at Austin is a comprehensive public research university and the academic flagship for the state, combining scale with a collaborative, entrepreneurial culture. Industry engages through a dedicated research campus with co‑located laboratories and testbeds, plus a research park that supports company residence, prototyping, and joint development. Companies also access an advanced supercomputing center for data‑intensive work and benefit from integration with a medical school and its clinical practice for translational studies. Research is supported by competitive federal funding from NSF, NIH, DOE, DoD, and NASA. A dedicated technology transfer office streamlines IP, licensing, and startup formation, with experienced staff who work routinely with corporate R&D.
delivered to your inbox.