In today’s blog post, we are going to have a bit of fun using video to learn more about contact angles. We will show you a contact angle and will ask you to “guess” the contact angle measurement.
The contact angle featured in this demo is formed by a water droplet deposited on a piece of ‘as is’ aged and contaminated aluminum with a smooth surface.
Here we are — at a suspended moment in time — this is a water droplet created by the Surface Analyst™ 5001 and our patented ballistic deposition process to deposit a water droplet on a surface at any orientation. This particular water droplet is on a vertical surface and has been captured on video prior to evaporation. This is the angle that will be measured to calculate a contact angle. Go ahead — grab a piece of paper and jot down your best guess regarding the measurement of this contact angle.
Contact Angle Answer
Have you recorded your guess? Watch the video below, where we reveal the answer.
How did you do? Did you come close to guessing the actual contact angle measurement, or were you off? Keep in mind this was primarily a learning exercise, and remember that there is no single “best” value for a contact angle. The ideal water contact angle measurement will depend on your particular application.
Going forward, we will give you additional opportunities to fine-tune your “guesstimates” regarding contact angle measurements based on a magnified visual inspection of a water droplet.
Contact angles provided by the Surface Analyst line of products enable manufacturers to control variables that are frequently overlooked. Learn how companies are utilizing this technology to develop innovative surface engineering solutions. Companies are now empowered to analyze and monitor surface quality throughout the entire product lifecycle from R&D through New Product Introduction (NPI) — including production and quality control.
Download our free eBook, “Predictable Adhesion in Manufacturing Through Process Verification,” to see your adhesion process through new eyes. Learn how to predict the future through easy and rapid water contact angle measurements.
