For fine powders, a surface tensiometer can be adapted for powder contact angle measurements with the appropriate attachments. The measurement of the contact angle is based on the Washburn equation and the application of a high-resolution scale. This method provides an alternative to contact angle measurements through a contact angle meter for powders less than 10 microns in diameter.

Typical Experimental Results

Powder Contact Angle and Capillary Radius for a Grain Flour

SampleContact Angle (deg)Capillary Radius (µm)
Flour A85.06270.45
Flour B86.09295.84
Flour C87.73201.96
powder contact angle1

Powder contact angle of Flour A

powder contact angle2

Powder contact angle of Flour B

powder contact angle3

Powder contact angle of a Flour C

Applications

Capillary RadiusCeramic PowdersGrain Powders
Fine PowdersGround CoffeeHydrophilic Powders
Metal PowdersOrganic PowdersPowder Wettability
SugarsTemperature ControlWashburn Method

Instrument: Kyowa DyneMaster DY-700 Surface Tensiometer

Instrument Key Specifications

Measurement Range0-100 m N/m
Contact Angle Range0 – 90°
Display Resolution0.01 m N/m
Repeatability0.02 m N/m
Sample Volume20 mL – Petri Dish

50 mL – Vessel

Stage Movement Range50 mm
Stage Movement Speed0.002 – 50 mm/s

For more information, please read our application notes:
All application notes can be found here