Nanosclerometry hardness measurement procedure

The nanosclerometry hardness measurement procedure described in [16-18] is, possibly, a unique reliable procedure for hardness measurements within the diamond and hyperdiamond hardness range, so we discuss it in more detail. Hardness measurements are performed in this procedure using the NanoScan (NS) measurement system based upon the principles of scanning probe microscopy. The sclerometry method (scratch at a constant indenter load) was used for hardness measurements using the NS. As mentioned above, the sclerometry and indentation methods conform well to each other. According to the sclerometry method the hardness value H is calculated as... 

The hardness of U-Ceo and other superhard fullerites was measured using the nanosclerometry hardness measurement procedure in comparison with diamond, cBN, and other hard materials [16,17,24]. It increases the validity of the data. The results of the hardness tests for fullerite Ceo samples reported in [17] are presented in Figure 16.17. The hardness values versus synthesis temperature are plotted. The specimens were synthesized at nonhydrostatic pressures of 9.5 and 13 GPa as discussed in Section 16.2. The hardness levels of sapphire, cBN, and diamond are plotted for comparison. 

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