scope:

This document specifies a test method to measure the contact angle for the determination of the surface free energy of a solid surface. The method can be applied for the characterization of substrates and coatings.

NOTE 1 For the determination of the surface free energy of polymers and coatings, either the method in accordance with Owens, Wendt, Rabel and Kaelble or the method in accordance with Wu is used preferably.

NOTE 2 The morphological and chemical homogeneity have an influence on the measuring results.

NOTE 3 The procedures indicated in this document are based on the state-of-the-art employing the drop projection method in penumbral shadow. Other methods are not excluded.

NOTE 4 Measuring the contact angle on powders is not part of this document. For further information, see the bibliography.