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
There are several technical methods for measuring the surface tension of a liquid, including contact angle analysis. This is a scientific method used to understand the interaction between a solid surface and a liquid through various technical approaches: pendant drop, moving wire, Wilhelmy plate and ink testing. Tensiometers and goniometers are used for this purpose.
A tensiometer is used to measure the surface tension of a liquid, while a goniometer is used to measure the contact angle of a liquid with a surface. Tensiometers measure the interfacial tension between two phases, often between a liquid and air or a liquid and a solid, while goniometers are used to measure the contact angle of a solid with a liquid.
Tensiometers are often used in chemistry to measure the physical properties of foams and emulsions, while goniometers are used in physics to measure the properties of solid surfaces.
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.
