Contact Angle

The universal, high-quality instrument for analysing wetting and coating processes

Our Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA100 is our high-quality system solution for almost all tasks in the analysis of wetting and adhesion on solid surfaces. From the basic unit for precise measurement of the contact angle to the fully automatic expert instrument for serial measurement of surface free energy (SFE) we have the suitable DSA100 for your special requirements. We exactly match the individual, flexible and reliable components to your surfaces and processes.

Tasks and applications

• Characterization of surface pre-treatment processes
• Investigation of the adhesion and stability of bonding and coating processes
• Investigation of coating substances in accordance with DIN 55660
• Checking the wettability of plastic, glass, ceramic, wood or metal
• Quality control for wafers and microelectronics
• Checking surface cleanliness
• Elasticity of liquid films
• Wetting of microscopically small surfaces

Measuring methods and options

• Contact angle between a liquid and a solid
• Surface free energy from contact angles of several test liquids using all common models
• Static contact angle, advancing angle and receding angle
• Roll-off angle on hydrophobic and superhydrophobic surfaces
• Measurement of surface tension and liquid-liquid interfacial tension using the Pendant Drop method
• Temperature-controlled measurements from -30 to 400°C
• Measurements at controlled humidity
• Surface rheological measurements (modulus of elasticity E'; modulus of viscosity E'')
• Wetting measurements on microscopically small surfaces

For more information about the DSA100, please watch the following video: https://youtu.be/2LfTrgmleAY

Contact angle measurement in quality control

Our Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA30 is a robust instrument which can be used flexibly for the precise measurement of contact angle and surface free energy (SFE). With high-quality components and various automation options, the DSA30 analyses wetting and adhesion on solid surfaces. Fast measurements and simple operation make the instrument a valuable part of your routine quality control.

Tasks and applications

• Characterization of surface pre-treatment processes
• Investigation of the adhesion and stability of bonding and coating processes
• Checking the wettability of plastic, glass, ceramic, wood or metal
• Checking surface cleanliness

Measuring methods and options

• Contact angle between a liquid and a solid
• Surface free energy from contact angles of several test liquids using all common models
• Static contact angle, advancing angle and receding angle
• Measurement of surface tension and liquid-liquid interfacial tension using the Pendant Drop method
• Measurements on inclined surfaces
• Temperature-controlled measurements from -30 to 400 °C
• Measurements at controlled humidity

The precision basic instrument for wetting investigations

Our Drop Shape Analyzer – DSA25 is an easy-to-use, reliable instrument for measuring contact angle. From a simple wetting test to the accurate measurement of surface free energy (SFE), the robust instrument provides flexible options for analyzing wetting and adhesion on solid surfaces. Its rapid, manual operation makes our DSA25 outstandingly suitable for occasional wetting measurements with changing tasks and sample types.

Tasks and applications

• Characterization of surface pre-treatment processes
• Checking the wettability of plastic, glass, ceramic, wood or metal
• Checking surface cleanliness

Measuring methods and options

• Contact angle between a liquid and a solid
• Surface free energy from contact angles of several test liquids using all common models
• Static contact angle, advancing angle and receding angle
• Measurement of surface tension and liquid-liquid interfacial tension using the Pendant Drop method
• Temperature-controlled measurements from -30 to 400°C
• Measurements at controlled humidity

Measuring surface free energy in a second with only one click

Our innovative Mobile Surface Analyzer – MSA measures surface free energy with two liquids, fully automatically and mobile using our new “One-Click SFE” method. The MSA doses two parallel drops with one click, followed by the direct analysis of the contact angles and the derived results of the surface free energy. All steps are automated and happen within a second. The results enable well-founded statements about wettability by aqueous or organic liquids. The MSA supports you in your quality assurance in the pre-treatment and coating of solid materials in an ideal way.

Tasks and applications

• Measurement on large workpieces and finished products such as automobile parts
• Determination of the wettability of solid materials before coating or bonding
• Quality assurance of pre-treatment and coating processes
• Quality assurance of cleaning steps
• Testing the effectiveness of hydrophobic coatings

Measuring methods and options

• Measurement of contact angle
• Calculation of surface free energy according to Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble, Wu, Zisman, Fowkes and van Oss & Good

For more information, please watch the video: https://youtu.be/On6F7Rw7Te0

Getting rid of any user intervention and result interpretation whatsoever, our Ayríís uses groundbreaking technology for perfectly reliable QC checks of wettability. With just one click and in seconds, the 3D Contact Angle of water is measured and auto-validated with a simple passed/failed message using preset quality limits.

The highly advanced 3D drop projection technique of Ayríís provides automatic self-checking of consistency and plausibility of each result. As a mobile, stand-alone instrument with easy-to-exchange rechargeable batteries and prefilled cartridges, Ayríís is prepared to operate 24/7 on your production site.

Applications:

• Quality assurance of cleaning steps as well as pre-treatment and coating processes

• Testing the effectiveness of hydrophobic coatings and other coatings

• Determination of the wettability of solid materials before coating or bonding

• Mobile measurement on large workpieces and finished products such as automobile part