Experimental Electroplating and Material Characterization Using Nanoindentation Techniques

This thesis focuses on the use of nanoindentation and the characterization of electroplated materials. A team of honors college students will design a test cell for electroplating strips of parts, after which test samples were to be plated. One of the methods which was to be used to test the properties of the plating is nanoindentation, which is be the focus of this thesis. Nanoindentation is a relatively new method, making nanometer sized dents in the surface of the material to test various properties. This thesis explores the history of nanoindentation, as well as its uses and the potential for further use and development of similar techniques.