Methods / Tensiometry

Tensiometry

Tensiometry is a topic covering a variety of different non-destructive techniques for measuring physical properties such as interfacial tension, density, and contact angles. Tensiometric analysis can be used to study the surface tension of liquid sample materials, coatings, and films.

Tensiometry of liquid and gas
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Some of our tensiometry measurements

Oil repellency of textiles + hydrocarbon resistance test

AATCC 118, EN ISO 14419
We offer two technically equivalent methods (AATCC 118 & ISO 14419) for determining the oil stain resistance of textiles. More specifically, the tests are used to assess fabric's resistance to wetting by hydrocarbons. A series of selected liquid hydrocarbons with different surface tensions are used, and the results are given as numerical values with high values indicating better oil resistance. Test results are often used to compare the oil resistance of different fabrics or surface finishes.
77 €
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Grease resistance of paper or board with the KIT test

TAPPI 559
This test follows the TAPPI Test Method T559. It assesses how fluorochemicals, or other surface treatment chemicals, which can make paper both resistant to oil (organophobic) and water (hydrophobic), affect the paper's surface. These chemicals work by lowering the surface energy of the paper. The test was designed to help papermakers determine if the surface treatment has been successful. The testing process involves applying a range of numbered mixtures to the paper. The mixtures are prepared using castor oil, n-heptane, and toluene as described in the TAPPI T559 standard. These reagents differ in surface tension and viscosity, or their "aggressiveness," and are numbered from 1 (least aggressive) to 12 (most aggressive). A drop of the test liquid is dropped on the paper, and after 15 seconds the drop is wiped off. If the paper is darkened by the oil (i.e. the oil has penetrated the paper), the test is considered as failed and a lower KIT mixture is tested. The test identifies the highest numbered solution that does not leave a stain on the paper. This number is then reported as the paper's "KIT rating." The result will be given as the number of the first KIT liquid that passes this evaluation.
120 €
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Contact angle and surface energy

Contact angle measurement is a technique used to assess the wettability of a surface by measuring the angle between a liquid droplet and the surface. This angle is influenced by the surface energy of the solid and the surface tension of the liquid. A low contact angle indicates a strong interaction between the liquid and the surface and a high contact angle low interaction between the two. A low contact angle is typically desired for coating applications to ensure good wettability (i.e. spreadability) of the coating on the surface. A high contact angle, on the other hand, is preferred for surfaces that are supposed to repel certain kinds of liquids (e.g. hydrophobic coatings). By measuring the contact angle between a surface and multiple liquids you may calculate the surface energy of the substrate. Multiple theories exist for the calculation of surface energy, which is a numeric representation of the total energy of the surface. These include the Owens-Wendt-Rabel-Kaelble (OWRK)/Fowkes, Acid-base, Wu, Schultz, Zisman, and Equation of State methods. Contact angle and surface energy are important parameters in the characterization of paints, coatings, printing inks, and the substrates they are applied on. Additionally, this technique can be used to assess the performance of protective or adhesion-promoting coatings and technologies. The price includes three analyses with two liquids, typically water and diiodomethane, with a contact angle device equipped with surface correction. Practically any liquid can be used as long as the liquid does not chemically react with the surface and the surface tension of the liquid is known. Additionally, almost any non-hazardous and flat material can be used as the substrate.
240 €
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What is tensiometry?

Tensiometry covers a variety of different methods for measuring interfacial tension and density. The choice of tensiometric analysis technique depends on the sample and the desired properties to be measured.

A force tensiometer is a great tool for studying the interactions between gas, liquid, and solid samples. For example, it can measure surface tensions based on the tensile force with reference to the wetted length that occurs after a measuring probe is immersed in a liquid. In the Wilhelmy plate method, a special plate made of roughened platinum is used.

A Du Noüy ring tensiometer can be used to measure surface tension between a liquid and a gas or interfacial tension between two liquids. As the name suggests, a special kind of ring is immersed in the liquid and as it is slowly being pulled out, tension is measured. The same applies to interfacial tension measurements with two liquids.

An example of a more modern optical tensiometry analysis is the oscillating pendant drop method. In this method, pendant drops of a liquid sample are created by a syringe. Once the drops have been created, the syringe is used to periodically increase and decrease the sizes of the drops. A high-quality camera is used to measure the changes in the drop shapes. The oscillating pendant drop method is often used when studying food emulsifiers and stabilizers. The oscillating pendant drop method requires only a small amount of sample, which makes it quite optimal when studying very expensive samples.

Due to the wide spectrum of different methods and controllable variables, tensiometry analysis can be tailored to suit very specific needs in various uses.

What is tensiometry used for?

Tensiometry is used for measuring the surface tension of a liquid, determining interfacial tensions between two liquids, and measuring the densities of liquids, solids, and gases. Tensiometric analysis methods can also be used for measuring surface and interfacial viscoelasticities, contact angles, sedimentation, and adhesion.

Sample requirements and preparation

Tensiometric analysis methods are non-destructible and often require very little to no sample preparation. The required amount of sample depends on the method. For example, a surface tension measurement often requires a minimum sample size of 20 milliliters. However, some methods only require a very small amount of sample, such as the oscillating pendant drop method.

Need a tensiometric analysis?

Measurlabs offers high-quality tensiometry measurements for various sample types. We process even large sample batches with speed, precision, and quality, enabling you to get the insights you need without unnecessary delays. Reach out to us using the form below to request a quote and we will get back to you latest the next business day.

Suitable sample matrices

  • Liquids
  • Coatings
  • Films
  • Fibers
  • Powders

Ideal uses of tensiometry

  • Surface and interfacial tension measurements
  • Investigation of hydrophilic and hydrophobic properties
  • Determination of sample purity (can be combined with other methods)
  • Quality control

Ask for an offer

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Answering the following questions helps us prepare an offer for you faster:

  • How many samples do you have and what is the sample material?
  • Do you have a recurring need for these tests? If yes, how often and for how many samples at a time?

Have questions or need help? Email us at or call our sales team.

Frequently asked questions

What is tensiometry commonly used for?

Tensiometry is used for measuring the surface tension of a liquid, determining interfacial tensions between two liquids, and measuring the densities of liquids, solids and gases. Tensiometric methods can also be used for measuring surface and interfacial viscoelasticities, contact angles, sedimentation and adhesion. 

What are the limitations of tensiometry

Tensiometry can be used to suit very different uses and has a lot of controllable variables, which means it requires a lot of expertise when choosing the testing parameters. Sample-wise, tensiometry is not suitable for strong acids.

What kind of samples can be analyzed with tensiometry?

Liquids, coatings, films, fibers and powders are suitable for tensiometric analyses.

What is Measurlabs?

Measurlabs offers a variety of laboratory analyses for product developers and quality managers. We perform some of the analyses in our own lab, but mostly we outsource them to carefully selected partner laboratories. This way we can send each sample to the lab that is best suited for the purpose, and offer high-quality analyses with more than a thousand different methods to our clients.

How does the service work?

When you contact us through our contact form or by email, one of our specialists will take ownership of your case and answer your query. You get an offer with all the necessary details about the analysis, and can send your samples to the indicated address. We will then take care of sending your samples to the correct laboratories and write a clear report on the results for you.

How do I send my samples?

Samples are usually delivered to our laboratory via courier. Contact us for further details before sending samples.