RMS Foundation
Bischmattstrasse 12
2544 Bettlach
Switzerland
Phone +41 32 644 2000
METHODS
Contact angle
Determining the contact angle on a sample allows a quick characterization of the surface: Is the surface hydrophilic or hydrophobic? Is the sample contaminated? Did the coating process work?
Our contact angle measuring device allows both static contact angle measurement (determination of the angle of a static droplet on a surface) and dynamic contact angle measurement, in which the droplet volume is increased or decreased and thus the advancing or receding contact angle is determined. This ensures increased reliability, e.g. with rough or inhomogeneous samples.
The surface energy of the sample can be determined by measuring with different test liquids (typically water, ethylene glycol and/or methylene iodide).
According to which standards do we test?
Whenever possible, we carry out our testing services in accordance with or based on these international standards:
- ISO 19403-1
- ISO 19403-2
- ISO 19403-6
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Which devices do we use?
- OEG Surftens universal with manual dosing unit and automated contact angle measurement
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For which material tests do we use this method?
We use contact angle measurement for the following analyses, among others:
- Determine whether surfaces are hydrophilic or hydrophobic, e.g. for polymers, coatings or functionalizations
- Wettability for subsequent coatings
- Determination of the surface energy
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What experimental options are available?
The method offers the following options, among others:
- Static contact angle measurement: Determination of the angle of a static drop on a surface.
- Dynamic contact angle measurement: The drop volume is continuously increased and then decreased and the contact angles (progressive and regressive) are determined on this drop (average value of several measurements per drop). This ensures increased reliability with rough or inhomogeneous samples.
- Recording of films and data processing based on the individual film images.
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What you should know about this method?
What are suitable samples for this method?
Ideally, samples should be as flat and homogeneous as possible with dimensions (L×W×H) of up to 20×20×6 cm; larger samples can also be analyzed under certain circumstances.
Are the analyses accredited?
Yes, the test methods according to ISO 19403-1, 3 and 6 are validated by us and accredited according to ISO/IEC 17025.
Who is your contact person?
Roman Heuberger
Dr. sc. ETH Zurich, Certified Materials Engineer ETH
Head of Materials Testing and Consulting
+41 32 644 2022
Dr. sc. ETH Zurich, Certified Materials Engineer ETH
Head of Materials Testing and Consulting
+41 32 644 2022