An in-depth evaluation of sample and measurement induced influences on static contact angle measurements

Static contact angle measurements are one of the most popular methods to analyze the wetting behavior of materials of any kind. Although this method is readily applicable without the need of sophisticated machinery, the results obtained for the very same material may vary strongly. The sensitivity of the measurement against environmental conditions, sample preparation and measurement conduction is a main factor for inconsistent results. Since often no detailed measurement protocols exist alongside published data, contact angle values as well as elaborated wetting studies do not allow for any comparison. This paper therefore aims to discuss possible influences on static contact angle measurements and to experimentally demonstrate the extent of these effects. Sample storage conditions, cleaning procedures, droplet volume, water grade and droplet application as well as the influence of evaporation on the static contact angle are investigated in detail. Especially sample storage led to differences in the contact angle up to 60%. Depending on the wetting state, evaporation can reduce the contact angle by 30–50% within 10 min in dry atmospheres. Therefore, this paper reviews an existing approach for a climate chamber and introduces a new measuring setup based on these results. It allows for the observation of the wetting behavior for several minutes by successfully suppressing evaporation without negatively affecting the surface prior to measurement by exposure to high humidity environments.