Measuring the surface tension of a liquid in the laboratory
Your need: to measure the surface tension of a liquid
What is the surface tension of a liquid?
Surface tension is also known as surface tension. It refers to the surface energy that is created by the interaction of molecules on the surface of a liquid. This surface energy is due to the forces of electrical attraction that hold adjacent molecules together.
Measuring the surface tension of a liquid is an essential procedure for characterising the physical properties of fluids. It is particularly useful in sectors such as chemistry, pharmaceuticals and materials.
What is liquid surface tension measurement?
Measuring the surface tension of a liquid is an important parameter that reflects the intensity of the forces of attraction between the molecules on the surface of a liquid. The surface tension of a liquid allows water, for example, to form drops.
This tension is defined as the force per unit length required to increase the surface area of a liquid. It is generally expressed in newtons per metre (N/m) or dynes per centimetre (dyn/cm).
FILAB: laboratory for measuring the surface tension of a liquid using a goniometer
Why choose FILAB to measure the surface tension of a liquid?
In order to support manufacturers in the development and quality control of their products, the FILAB laboratory provides state-of-the-art analytical equipment enabling surface tension analyses to be carried out using a goniometer. This equipment can be used in conjunction with other analytical techniques.
Goniometer and liquid surface tension measurement
Dynamic contact angle measurement provides information about how quickly a material disperses or absorbs a liquid. In this process, as with static measurements, a drop is placed on the surface of the material. The contact angle of the drop is then continuously monitored, capturing an image every millisecond, over a period of up to 10 minutes.
FILAB's surface tension analysis lab utilizes state-of-the-art goniometry to deliver precise, reproducible contact angle and surface energy data.
Static contact angle measurements reveal the intrinsic wettability of a solid surface, while dynamic measurements capture how a liquid spreads or absorbs over time —critical for evaluating coating uniformity and adhesion kinetics.
Our experts also perform surface free energy calculations using Owens-Wendt and van Oss methods, enabling you to predict how different liquids will interact with your materials. All measurements are conducted under controlled temperature and humidity conditions to ensure compliance with ISO and ASTM standards.
Our associated services
Measuring drop size using laser granulometry
Surface energy measurement
Drop angle measurement
Static and dynamic drop angle measurements
Characterisation of droplet distribution by SEM-FEG-EDX
Measuring the surface wettability of a material
Measurement of adhesion between a liquid and a solid
FAQ
Pour mesurer la tension superficielle d'un liquide, il existe plusieurs méthodes techniques, dont l'analyse de l'angle de contact. Il s’agit d’une méthode scientifique utilisée pour comprendre l'interaction entre une surface solide et un liquide par divers moyens techniques : goutte suspendue, fil mobile, de Wilhelmy et des tests d'encres. Pour cela, ce sont les tensiomètres et goniomètres qui sont utilisés.
Le tensiomètre est utilisé pour mesurer la tension de surface d'un liquide, tandis que le goniomètre est utilisé pour mesurer l'angle de contact d'un liquide avec une surface. Les tensiomètres mesurent la tension interfaciale entre deux phases, souvent entre un liquide et l’air ou un liquide et un solide, tandis que les goniomètres sont utilisés pour mesurer l'angle de contact d'un solide avec un liquide.
Les tensiomètres sont souvent utilisés en chimie pour mesurer les propriétés physiques des mousses, des émulsions, tandis que les goniomètres sont utilisés en physique pour mesurer les propriétés des surfaces solides.
Surface tension analysis is used to characterize the interfacial behavior of liquids and solids. It helps manufacturers optimize formulations, ensure coating adhesion, evaluate cleaning efficiency, and predict emulsion stability. Industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, coatings, and electronics rely on surface tension data to control product quality and performance.
Goniometer-based surface tension analysis achieves high accuracy when performed under controlled environmental conditions. Typical contact angle precision is within ±2°, and surface tension resolution can reach ±0.1 mN/m. FILAB calibrates instruments regularly and follows ISO and ASTM protocols to ensure reproducible, traceable results for R&D and quality control applications.
Yes. Poor coating adhesion often stems from inadequate surface energy or contamination on the substrate. Surface tension analysis measures contact angle and surface free energy to identify wetting issues. Based on these results, FILAB can recommend surface treatments, primer selection, or formulation adjustments to improve adhesion and eliminate defects such as peeling or blistering.
