The acquisition of the mechanical properties microprobe (MPM) system (Nano Indenterfi II) is to be used primarily to support graduate education and training and conduct research in materials science and engineering. The MPM provides new dimensions in testing and analysis for many engineering research programs within the college, particularly in the Materials Science and the Electrical Engineering Departments, and the university at large. Ongoing research in the College of Natural Science will also benefit from having access to the nanoindenter. The naniondenter will be a first of its kind on site of Michigan State University. Many diverse research groups that are involved in the characterization of materials and in nanomechanical stress analysis will benefit significantly from the acquisition of the MPM. This is especially the case for characterization of the small-volumes, thin films and interfaces in materials. Some research programs will use the MPM to determine the hardness, modulus and fracture energy of thin films and nanolayered materials.
