1.1This test method covers the determination of the Vickers indentation hardness of advanced ceramics. In this test, a pointed, square base, pyramidal diamond indenter of prescribed shape is pressed into the surface of a ceramic with a predetermined force to produce a relatively small, permanent indentation. The surface projection of the two diagonals of the permanent indentation is measured using a light microscope. The average diagonal size and the applied force are used to calculate the Vickers hardness, which represents the material’s resistance to penetration by the Vickers indenter. Hardness is computed as the ratio of the force to the contact surface area.

1.2The values stated in SI units are to be regarded as standard. No other units of measurement are included in this standard.

1.3Units—When Knoop and Vickers hardness tests were developed, the force levels were specified in units of grams-force (gf) and kilograms-force (kgf). This standard specifies the units of force and length in the International System of Units (SI); that is, force in newtons (N) and length in mm or μm. However, because of the historical precedent and continued common usage, force values in gf and kgf units are occasionally provided for information. This test method specifies that Vickers hardness be reported either in units of GPa, or a dimensionless Vickers hardness number that has implied units of kgf/mm².

1.4This standard does not purport to address all of the safety concerns, if any, associated with its use. It is the responsibility of the user of this standard to establish appropriate safety and health practices and determine the applicability of regulatory limitations prior to use.