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Contact angle measurement

A lab technician analyzes a liquid droplet's contact angle using a DataPhysics measurement system and software

Material characterisation

Functional

Test method standards

ISO 15989
ASTM D7334
DIN 55660

Why this test matters

Surface wettability influences how well liquids spread, stick, or repel. Poor control can lead to weak adhesion, coating defects, or inconsistent product behavior. Contact angle measurement helps companies understand and manage surface quality before problems occur. It is widely used in industries such as coatings, electronics, medical devices, packaging, plastics, and surface-treated materials, where surface behavior directly affects performance and reliability.

How the test works

The test places a small liquid droplet on a solid surface under controlled conditions. A camera captures the droplet shape, and software calculates the contact angle between the liquid and the surface. The angle reflects how easily the liquid wets the surface. Measurements may use different liquids and surface preparation methods. Key parameters include droplet volume, liquid type, surface cleanliness, temperature, and humidity.

What you learn from this test

The test provides contact angle values that quantify surface wettability. Low angles indicate good wetting, while high angles show hydrophobic behavior. Companies use these results to assess surface treatments, compare materials, verify cleaning processes, and predict adhesion or coating performance. The insights support confident decisions in material selection, process control, and quality assurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

We review every request within 2 business days and get back to you with next steps. The test itself depends on the specific method and your requirements, our priority is always getting you an accurate result, not the fastest possible one.

Not sure? That's fine, most clients aren't either when they first contact us. We help quality managers, engineers and designers work out whether a standardised test method fits your need, or whether a custom approach is required. We carry out both in-house, or refer you to a trusted partner when a test falls outside our scope.

We don't stop at a "non-compliant" label. Our diagnostic experts can help identify the root cause and advise on next steps, so a failed test becomes a starting point for a fix, not a dead end.

Request this test

Send us your request with as much detail as you can share: material, component, quantity of samples,the standard you need to work to… We’ll review it and come back with scope, lead time and price. Drawings, specifications or earlier test reports help us assess feasibility faster.

Our tests experts

Patrick Cosemans

Program Manager Innovation in Circular Economy

Brecht Dootselaere

Lab Coordinator for Circular Economy Coatings & Renewable Materials

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