Institute of Mechanics

Open Laboratory for Experimental Mechanics of Micro- and Nanomaterials

OLEM is established within the Research Infrastructure Project (DO02-53/2008), supported by the National Science Fund of Bulgaria. The Open Laboratory operates at national and international level for characterization and fine analysis of nanomaterials for research and industrial needs.

OLEM is a partner in several European projects within FP6, FP7 and COST. The unit is a member of the European Open Laboratory for Characterization of Nanomaterials created under the Napolynet project.

OLEM is an attractive base for training of young researchers, students and engineers from the country and abroad, which gain experience in advanced techniques and novel methodologies.

OLEM address is Acad. G. Bonchev Str. Block 1, rooms 224 - 225, 1113 Sofia, Bulgaria.

Services in OLEM

OLEM is a partner in several European projects within FP6, FP7 and COST.
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OLEM provides the following tests:

• Rheology of Liquids (wide viscosity range) - low viscosity liquids, polymer melts, ceramics, cement pastes, oils, paints, adhesives, bio-medical materials, dental materials, cosmetics & pharmaceutics.

• Rheology of Solids (DMTA in torsion).

• Nano Indentation with Integrated Inline Imaging (AFM, 3D/2D profilometer, High Mag Optical Microscope): nano hardness, Young's modulus, nano weare, nano friction, surface scanning, surface roughness.

• Micro Indentation and Scratch: macro- and micro hardness (Rockwell, Brinell, Vickers and Knoop indentation), Young's modulus, micro scratch, adhesion and delamination of coatings

• Tribology. Micro wear, wear resistance, wear rate, friction force, torque, rotary and reciprocating wear, coefficient of friction, four ball test, block on ring, pin/ball on disk, wear depth (in-situ).

• Macro Mechanical tests: durability of coatings and bulk materials; tensile, bending, torsion and compressive stress; Young's modulus; fatigue; creep; stiffness, toughness, elasticity; plasticity.

Applications: Bulk and Coating analyses of polymers, ceramics, metals, bio-medical materials, cosmetics & pharmaceutics, dental materials, semiconductor materials and materials for electronics.