1. Context

Many surface properties can be modified by the application of a functional coating. These coatings can be continuous or particulate, of various types (organic, inorganic or composite) and thicknesses (from molecular to several hundred microns), depending on the properties required. Applications are particularly wide-ranging, in fields as diverse as electronics, optics and biotechnology.

From a technical point of view, the question of the stability of these coatings, which are generally thin, is fundamental to the preservation of their functional properties. Since coating failure under conditions of use leads to a total or partial loss of the desired properties, determining and even quantifying their adhesion and possibly their cohesion is a prerequisite for the development of these materials.

Various techniques are available to determine...