AbstractThis article discusses AFM-based localized thermal analysis of crosslinked polymer coatings based on a recent breakthrough in nanoscale thermal probe technology. Examples include the monitoring of the softening point of automotive clearcoat systems, as a function of cure time and cure temperature and characterization of degradation and embrittlement of weathered acrylic-polyurethane coatings. Comparison of nano thermal analysis with bulk DSC and MDSC is made and its inherent advantages over DSC in analyzing surfaces is demonstrated.