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The Surface Analyst's™ Unique Method of Measuring Water Contact Angle

Fluid Deposition Style of Contact Angle Measurements

Measuring the contact angle of a fluid on a surface provides a sensitive and accurate reading of surface energy. However, methods of depositing the droplet and measuring the contact angle vary. 

Common surface measurement instruments, such as goniometers, use an automated syringe needle to deposit a single drop of fluid. However, the manner in which the drop of fluid is deposited greatly impacts the contact angle and entails precise control. 

Alternative fluids can be dangerous to the user and can contaminate the material. This often requires the use of a coupon or sample rather than a measurement on the actual surface of the material in question. Furthermore, a single drop does not have the ability to measure on diverse surfaces.

surface-analyst-5001-ballistic-drop-depositionAdvantages of Ballistic Deposition

Brighton Science's Surface Analyst™ uses patented Ballistic Deposition™ to deposit a stream of micro drops that coalesce into a single drop on the surface. By constructing a drop of highly purified water out of these microdroplets, the Surface Analyst is able to take measurements on various surfaces—non-planar, textured, non-horizontal—without threat to the user or damage to the material.

The article delves deeper into this topic and discusses a comparison between the Surface Analyst and a benchtop goniometer.

To learn more about controlling adhesion issues in production, please download the free eBook titled "Manufacturer's Roadmap to Eliminating Adhesion Issues in Production."

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