Spreading surface tension by the applied droplet method (NT POLY 176)

Abstract

  This Nordtest method specifies a procedure for determining the spreading surface tension of a surface. This is done by observing whether applied droplets of selected liquids in a series spontaneously spread. The difference in surface tension for the liquids in the series suggested is two mN/m. The surface tension of the liquid which just spreads approximates the spreading surface tension of the surface tested. The method is limited to nonabsorbing and nonreacting surfaces, and to those where the liquids used for testing do not significantly attack the surface being tested. The application of the results of this method may be related to practical applications through experience.