High temperature nanoindentation of PMR-15 polyimide

This paper presents the high temperature nanoindentation experiments performed on an aerospace polymer resin-PMR-15 polyimide. The sharp-tipped Berkovich nanoindenter equipped with a hot-stage heating system was used. The indentation experiments were performed using the "hold-at-the-peak" method at various indenter holding times and unloading rates. The creep effect was seen to decrease with increasing holding time and/or unloading rate. Procedures used to minimize the creep effect are investigated at both ambient and elevated temperatures so that the correct contact depth (together with modulus and hardness) can be determined from nanoindentation load-depth curve. The temperature dependent mechanical properties of PMR-15 are measured through the current nanoindenter and results are consistent with those obtained from macroscopic tests.