3D Topography module combined with the Theta Optical tensiometer - Step into a new level in coating and surface development.
3D Topography module combined with the Theta Optical
tensiometer is the first product which makes it possible to combine 3D surface
roughness measurements in conjunction with contact angle measurements and to
perform those measurements on the same exact sample location. OneAttension
software automatically calculates the roughness corrected contact angle and
surface free energy values from the measured data. The measurement takes only a
few seconds and it can be run and analyzed without a specialist. Understanding of
industrial development processes will be taken to a new level with the possibility
to separate the impact of surface chemistry and roughness of various coating
formulations and surface modifications.
Applications
Many surface modification and coating technologies that are
used for optimizing wetting and adhesion properties influence
both surface chemistry and roughness. Understanding the
mechanisms that impact wetting by separating these two
factors can be a useful tool in product development processes
and in quality control. Roughness correction on contact angles
also enables the calculation of fundamental surface free energy
on rough surfaces. The 3D topography module can be used
for studying microscale roughness, which is relevant in many
applications and processes.
Examples include:
Construction and building materials
Coating and surface finishing of construction and building
materials are important for enhanced appearance and durability
of the materials. Adhesion of different types of coatings,
such as paint or veneer sheeting depends on the surface.
Both surface topography and surface chemistry are known to
have an effect on adhesion and wettability. The Theta optical
tensiometer can be used for evaluating surface processing
quality and its influence on wetting ability. See more details in
application note 16 focusing on wood plastic composites from
www.attension.com/applications.
Technology and Measurements
Wettability is typically studied by a contact angle measurement
that can be defined with the well-known Young equation on
ideal surfaces. Surface free energy theories are also based
on assumptions that Young contact angles are used for
calculations. Thus, the surface is assumed to be chemically
homogenous and topographically smooth. This is, however,
not true in the case of real surfaces. It is well established that
surface roughness enhances the existing wetting behavior and
influence on adhesion. See more details in theory note 7 from
www.attension.com/applications.
