Testing methods for nanoindentation property of the cuticle of bovine hoof wall and dung beetle’s foreleg femur

Natural biomaterials have extensively been researched since their distinguished properties adapting to their living surroundings. The cuticle surfaces of bovine hoof and dung beetle directly contact soil when they move on soft ground or in soil. Their surface materials and structures can provide some information for designing soil-engaging components of soft terrain-machines. While, it is difficult to measure their mechanical properties since the cuticle of the bovine hoof wall and dung beetle are very thin. Nanoindenter provides a powerful tool for examining the mechanical properties such as reduced modulus and hardness in nano-scale. The testing methods for nanoindentation properties of the cuticle of the bovine hoof wall and dung beetle (Copris ochus Motschulsky) were discussed in this work.