Temperature-dependent microindentation data of an epoxy composition in the glassy region

Abstract

The short-term instrumented microindentation technique was applied for assessing the influence of temperature in the glassy region on the time-dependent mechanical properties of an average epoxy resin mix near to its native state. Linear viscoelasticity theory with the assumption of time-independent Poisson ratio value forms the basis for processing the experimental results. The sharp standard Berkovich indenter was used to measure the local mechanical properties at temperatures 20, 24, 28, and 35 °C. The short-term viscoelastic compliance histories were defined by the Kohlrausch–Williams–Watts double exponential function. The findings suggest that depth-sensing indentation data of thermorheologically simple materials influenced by different temperatures in the glassy region can also be used, through the time-temperature superposition, to extract viscoelastic response functions accurately. This statement is supported by the comparison of the viscoelastic compliance master curve of the tested material with data derived from standard macro creep measurements under pressure on the material in a conformable state.