Optical tensiometer for simple and accurate measurements of contact angle

Typical Applications using Contact Angle Meters

Taking measurements of contact angles, surface tension or interfacial tension gives information on a range of material properties e.g.  absorption, adsorption, cleanliness, interfacial rheology, spreading, surface free energy, surface heterogeneity and wettability. It is these properties that are vital in studying and developing or controlling the quality of engineered surfaces and technical liquids.  Extremely accurate and versatile, optical tensiometry is an advanced technique used to characterise both solids and liquids in virtually any industry or research area. With applications ranging from the surface properties of contact lenses to the quality control of semiconductors.

Operating principle

Optical tensiometers record and automatically analyse the shape of drop images over time. The shape of the drop is a function of the surface tension of the liquid, surface free energy of the solid, gravity and any density difference between sample liquid and surrounding medium. On a solid the drop shape and the contact angle depend on the solid’s surface free energy. The captured image is analysed with a drop profile fitting method to determine the contact angle and thus surface tension/surface energy.

INSTRUMENTS
Theta

Theta is an advanced optical tensiometer for high accuracy and easy measurement of:

• static contact angle
• dynamic contact angle
• surface free energy
• surface tension
• interfacial tension
• inferfacial rheology
• wettability
• absorption
• adsorption
• spreading
• cleanliness
• surface heterogeneity 

Theta harnesses the power of full automation to deliver best-in-class performance for R&D, quality control and process control.

Theta measures static and dynamic contact angles, static and semi-dynamic surface/interfacial tension, surface free energy and drop volume. A range of drop profiles are analysed i.e. sessile drop, pendant drop, receding contact angle, advancing contact angle, tilting drop, captive bubble, meniscus and reverse pendant drop. 

Precision, robustness and intuitive user experience are built-in. All you need to do is select the level of automation and advanced functionality you need. Theta quality camera and optics are enhanced by a 6.5x zoom lens enabling characterisation of very small drops. The open design and large frame are appropriate for large samples. With optional motorised sample stage, motorised vertical movement and a dispenser Theta can function in a fully automated mode, placing drops in predetermined locations on the substrate and measuring the contact angles.

Theta Lite

Theta Lite is a compact and robust optical tensiometer for simple and accurate measurements of contact angle and surface free energy.

It enables the study of a number of material properties such as:

• contact angle
• surface free energy
• surface and interfacial tension
• wettability
• adsorption
• spreading
• cleanliness
• surface heterogeneity 

The available drop profiles are: sessile drop, pendant drop, captive bubble, meniscus and reverse pendant drop. As standard the Theta Lite comes equipped with manual sample stage and liquid dispenser, making it a convenient and cost-effective instrument for research, industrial processes and educational use.

Choosing the extended software option converts Theta Lite into a more versatile instrument by adding measurement mode, data storage and data analysis capabilities e.g. static and semi-dynamic surface tension can be measured.  In addition pendant drop, reverse pendant drop and meniscus drop profiles are available with the extended software.

Technical specification - Theta & Theta Lite

Useful Resources

Optical Tensiometer Technical Specification

For further technical specifications please open pdf below.

Please contact us to find out how Dyne Technology can help you or request a quote.

• Surface Energy Testing(1).pdf
• Optical Tensiometer Technical Specification.pdf