The Study of Goniometer Measurements
Contact angle goniometry is the study of the characterization of liquid/solid interactions. The first benchtop goniometer designed at the NRL (U.S. Naval Research Laboratory) served as a monumental advance with a way to measure contact angles to measure surface energy. Today, more and more companies are realizing the need for surface monitoring as the use of bonding is replacing mechanical fastening within manufacturing. In order to reliably bond, a clean surface is necessary. Thus, the measurement of surface energy is important when bonding, coating, sealing, printing, painting, or cleaning. But, the standard benchtop goniometer has its limitations, rendering it less than ideal in a manufacturing setting where surface preparation is key to bonding.
Limitations of the Benchtop Goniometer
While the benchtop goniometer is an acceptable instrument for use in the lab, its size and measurement technique creates limitations for use in other settings. Moreover, the process in which the goniometer measures surface energy only applies to smooth, flat surfaces. This obviously has its setbacks on the production floor, as manufactured parts can have rough or curved surfaces. To measure surface energy, the benchtop goniometer uses a syringe to build a bead of liquid which is touched to the surface for deposition. The user then measures the contact angle from a horizontal profile by visual examination. This technique requires significant training and leaves plenty of room for human error. Thus, the benchtop goniometer primarily applies in a laboratory setting with minimal environmental variables and thoroughly trained users.
Brighton Science's Surface Analyst™ is essentially a smart, hand-held goniometer. However, unlike a benchtop goniometer, the Surface Analyst takes measurements vertically--rather than horizontally--using a patented process called Ballistic Deposition. The instrument deposits a stream of micro-drops that coalesce on the surface. The kinetic energy generated by this deposition allows the drop to spread out over the surface with little to no interference from rough surfaces. Thanks to Ballistic Deposition, measurements can also be taken at different angles and in hard-to-reach places.
A Comparison of Goniometers
Not only is the Surface Analyst handheld, but it is highly user-friendly. A benchtop goniometer can take significant time to train and requires a skilled user. But training with the Surface Analyst takes mere minutes. And its measurements are non-subjective, allowing use by various levels of personnel within a company.
In an outside study comparing the Surface Analyst with two other goniometers, the Surface Analyst showed more consistency and accuracy. This result is due to the Surface Analyst's ability to Ballistically Deposit water droplets on the surface. The inconsistencies in the other goniometers are most likely due to imperfections in the measured surface. Because a syringe drops these liquids, they lack the kinetic energy of a ballistically deposited drop, and they lose the ability to measure rough surfaces.
The benchtop goniometer serves as a useful measurement of surface energy. But, because of its size and complexities, it is most ideal in the laboratory setting. Brighton Science's Surface Analyst offers an accurate, consistent, quantifiable device that is hand-held and easy to use for both settings--the lab or the manufacturing floor.
Read the full paper featuring the comparison between the Surface Analyst and a benchtop goniometer in the technical resource section. The paper displays engaging data and thorough analysis by Brighton Science's Chief Scientist, Dr. Giles Dillingham.
