Local tests of mechanical properties of materials

This thesis deals with measurement of hardness and microhardness in relation to structure of homogeneous and heterogeneous materials. In the introduction basic theoretical background is commented, i.e. definitions, terminology, principles of measuring techniques for estimation of hardness, microhardness, tensile strength, compressive strength and bending strength. Follows a brief review of present research results focused on use of described principles in materials engineering. Then the experimental equipment and sample preparation is described. The crucial part of the thesis is summary of achieved results of original measurement and discussion of their relations to each other. Finally, the groundbreaking estimation is described, showing the correlation of chemical composition gradient and mechanical properties in interfacial zone of geopolymeric material