Possible manifestations of quantum effects in the boron microindentation kinetics

The kinetics of indentation of a solid (viz., the dependence of the indenter intrusion depth on the time, force, and temperature), is analyzed theoretically taking into account quantum effects in the atomic dynamics of solids. The experimental study of the temperature dependence of the boron microhardness reveals qualitative and quantitative agreement with calculated dependences. A possible manifestation of quantum (tunnel) effects in the boron microindentation kinetics is predicted.