Tensiometry
What is Tensiometry?
Tensiometry measures surface-related properties of liquids and interfaces—most commonly surface tension and interfacial tension. These properties control how liquids wet, spread, bead up, emulsify, and adhere to surfaces. Tensiometry is widely used to evaluate surfactants, coatings, inks, cleaning solutions, emulsions, and process liquids, helping optimize performance in manufacturing and product development.
What Tensiometry Can Help You Solve
Wetting and spreading performance on substrates (improved coverage, fewer defects)
Surfactant effectiveness and concentration optimization (CMC-related behavior)
Cleaning and degreasing efficiency screening for process liquids
Coating/ink formulation troubleshooting (poor leveling, pinholes, craters, dewetting)
Emulsion stability insights via interfacial tension comparisons (project-dependent)
Batch consistency & QC for liquids and formulations
Typical Applications
Coatings, paints & varnishes: wetting/leveling control, defect reduction
Inks & printing fluids: spreading on films, paper, metals; print uniformity
Electronics & semiconductor processes: wet cleaning solutions, rinses, chemical baths
Detergents & surfactants: performance screening and product development
Oil/water systems: interfacial tension for emulsifiers and separation behavior
Adhesives & surface treatments: improved substrate wetting and bonding readiness
Test Capabilities & What You Receive
Measurement Types (project-dependent)
Surface tension of liquids (static and/or dynamic, as applicable)
Interfacial tension between two immiscible liquids (e.g., oil/water systems)
Time-dependent behavior (adsorption kinetics / dynamic tension for some systems)
Concentration series testing (useful for surfactants and formulation optimization)
Deliverables
Surface/interfacial tension results with measurement conditions (temperature, method, timing)
Trend plots (optional) for concentration series or time-dependent studies
Pass/fail or comparison vs your specification (if provided)
Interpretation notes tied to wetting/coating/cleaning performance
Sample Requirements
Sample types: liquids, surfactant solutions, process chemicals, inks, coatings (liquid), oils
Typical volume: usually 10–50 mL per sample (depends on method and repeats)
Condition: homogeneous, minimal bubbles/particles; avoid contamination from dirty containers
Packaging: clean, tightly sealed containers to prevent evaporation and contamination
Information to provide: solvent system, expected tension range, temperature requirement, and whether the sample is volatile or hazardous (SDS if needed)
Workflow
Requirement review (surface vs interfacial; static vs dynamic; temperature; spec limits)
Sample preparation (mixing, degassing if appropriate, temperature equilibration)
Instrument setup & verification (method selection and checks)
Measurement with defined timing/conditions
Data analysis (averaging, trends, comparisons)
Reporting (results + conditions + conclusions)
FAQs
What’s the difference between surface tension and interfacial tension?
Surface tension refers to the interface between a liquid and air (or vapor). Interfacial tension refers to the interface between two liquids (e.g., oil and water).
Can tensiometry predict wetting on a solid surface?
Surface tension is a key factor, but wetting also depends on the solid surface energy and cleanliness. For complete wetting evaluation, we may recommend contact angle measurements in addition to tensiometry.
Why do results change over time after mixing?
Some systems show dynamic surface tension due to surfactant adsorption kinetics or solvent evaporation. We can measure time dependence if it’s relevant to your process.
How should I avoid contamination effects?
Use clean containers, avoid touching the inside surfaces, seal samples promptly, and minimize exposure to dust or vapors. Even trace contaminants can shift surface tension.
Can you determine CMC (critical micelle concentration)?
A concentration series can often indicate CMC-related behavior by observing where surface tension plateaus. Final interpretation depends on system complexity and test design.
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