Often viewed by the average observer as a simple phenomenon, a scratch is actually an extremely complicated example of material deformation.  Multi-axial stress is one challenging aspect of scratch behavior analysis, but the inherent complex nature of polymeric materials adds another facet to an already difficult scenario.

     To approach this subject, a methodology was required that could produce representative scratch damage with repeatability and reliability.  The Scratch Behavior of Polymers International Consortium was formed in 2001 between Texas A&M, Solvay (now Lyondell-Basell), Visteon and Luzenac (now Rio Tinto Minerals).  Through communication with the consortium, the PTC Scratch Machine III was fabricated after almost four years of effort in 2004.  In 2005, the methodology was accepted as ASTM D7027. 

     This standardized methodology has been applied to a wide array of polymeric materials.  Bulk polymers, thin films and coatings have all been successfully evaluated using our techniques.  Consequently, our polymer scratch research has gained world-wide acclaim and has led to the establishment of several intercontinental collaborations.  The consortium continues to be a channel for the exchange of valuable information that facilitates advancement of polymer scratch research.

     As research has continued, it has become clear that a material science-based approach is needed to dig to the core of the scratch phenomenon.  Our current work is focused on establishing structure-property relationships in polymers using experimental and numerical methods.  Mechanical tests are conducted to observe scratch damage mechanisms and to correlate with fundamental material parameters.  Once these parameters are obtained, numerical analysis methods such as FEM can be used not only to validate experimental results, but also to provide mechanistic explanations of polymer scratch deformation. 

     The focus of our research has been extended to study tribology in general.  Work is currently in progress to develop effective test methodologies based on the scratch test design to simulate other sliding modes of surface damage such as mar, abrasion and wear.