Contact angle

The contact angle is an important parameter that describes the interaction between a liquid and a solid surface. It is defined as the angle formed by the liquid surface at the interface between the liquid and the solid. The contact angle depends on the surface properties of the solid and the physico-chemical properties of the liquid.

In surface technology, the contact angle plays a decisive role in the characterization of surfaces, particularly with regard to their wettability. A small contact angle indicates good wettability, while a large contact angle indicates low wettability. This can provide important information about the adhesion of coatings, surface cleanliness or the functionality of surfaces in various applications.

The contact angle is usually measured using optical methods, such as viewing the droplet on the surface under a microscope. By determining the contact angle, manufacturers can gain important insights into the surface properties and, if necessary, make adjustments to achieve the desired properties.