Masterclass Webinars
Optical Tensiometry Masterclass
Nanoscience Instruments will be hosting a series of Theta Optical Tensiometry demonstration masterclasses. This series will focus on giving pragmatic, hands-on applications of optical tensiometry techniques beyond basic contact angle measurements. While these measurements still have their importance, the Theta Optical tensiometers have many advanced capabilities that may be underutilized. To bridge this gap, each session will focus on a different technique, like tilting or roughness corrected contact angle measurements. This will include helpful tips for the set up and execution of each technique, while avoiding common mistakes for a more successful measurement. We hope this series will inspire current and potential Theta tensiometry users to expand their measurement arsenal and gain the knowledge necessary to apply these techniques confidently.
ON DEMAND
Going Full-Tilt: Dynamic Contact Angle Measurements with a Tilting Cradle
Abstract:
In the first edition of the Tensiometry Masterclass Series, we will be shifting our perspective, quite literally, with tilting contact angle measurements on the Theta Flow/Flex Optical Tensiometer. Dynamic contact angle measurements through droplet tilting are a great way to assess the efficacy, quality, and history of coatings that have performance properties dependent on their wettability: such as liquid-repellent/phobic surfaces, self-cleaning, anti-microbial, bonding, etc. While this experiment is deceptively simple, there are important considerations for a successful measurement. In this masterclass, we will go through a dynamic contact angle measurement using the tilting cradle, manually rotating the entire optical tensiometer while capturing droplet images as the sample and droplet tilts. We will focus on key parameters in the setup and the automated hardware/software features in OneAttension to enhance the accuracy and reproducibility of this measurement.
Presentation By:
Vincent Ovalle
Product Manager
Nanoscience Instruments
ON DEMAND
Measuring Roughness Corrected Contact Angle: Combined Contact Angle and Surface Roughness Measurements with 3D Topography
Abstract:
In the second edition of our Tensiometry Masterclass Series, we will characterize real surface wettability with roughness corrected contact angle measurements on the Theta Flow/Flex Optical Tensiometer. For real surfaces, surface roughness enhances surface wetting behavior and can significantly affect the measured contact angle. The contact angle of a surface, independent of the effect of surface roughness can be determined through roughness correction. In this masterclass, we will go through a roughness corrected contact angle measurement using the 3D topography module, measuring the material surface roughness right at the location of the contact angle drop. We will focus on the software set up and operation of the automated measurement in OneAttension as well as data analysis of the roughness corrected contact angle.
Presentation By:
Emily Lentz
Application Scientist
Nanoscience Instruments
ON DEMAND
It's a Small World: Contact Angles at the Picoliter Scale
Abstract:
This session will focus on the Attension Picoliter Dispenser, which enables sessile drop contact angle measurements on samples with small surface areas, thin wires, single fibers, and more. Based on piezo-driven inkjet printing technology, the Picoliter Dispenser can dispense droplets as small as 20 picoliters, resulting in drop diameters less than 100 µm, depending on the contact angle formed. We will explore how to set up the measurement, considerations for using this unique accessory, and demonstrate experiments on various materials.
Presentation By:
Vincent Ovalle
Product Manager
Nanoscience Instruments
On Demand
Dynamic Contact Angle Measurements with a Tilting Stage
Abstract:
In our fourth edition of the Tensiometry Masterclass Series, we will focus on manual tilting contact angle measurements featuring the Theta Lite optical tensiometer. Dynamic contact angle and roll-off angle determined from droplet tilting are a useful way to characterize the performance of different surfaces or coatings, such as anti-fog, self-cleaning, superhydrophobic, or antimicrobial. In this masterclass, we will go through a dynamic contact angle measurement with the manual tilting stage and measure advancing and receding contact angle as well as roll-off angle. We will focus on how to properly set up and operate the tilt stage as well as capture the tilted contact angle in OneAttension.
Presentation By:
Emily Lentz
Application Scientist
Nanoscience Instruments
Registration Open
Flipping the Script: IFT/ST & Captive Bubble Measurements with a Hooked Needle
Abstract:
Surface and interfacial tensions are fundamental properties of liquid interfaces that determine functional outcomes in virtually any field that requires wetting, mixing, formulating, recovery, or distributing of liquids. It can also indicate the age and quality of liquid formulations, making it relevant for both liquid development and quality control. This specific measurement, using the pendant drop method, has many experimental advantages over classical force tensiometry techniques, such as using small liquid volumes and the ability to couple with dynamic conditions (interfacial rheology, high pressure, and high temperature). In a standard pendant drop measurement, a droplet is suspended from a needle tip while images of its silhouette are taken with an optical tensiometer and fitted with a drop shape analysis software. However, physical properties of the liquid, such as high volatility, extreme viscosity, and low surface tension, can make it challenging to practically implement. Similarly, measuring contact angles on hydrogels and hydrated materials can be virtually inaccessible with standard sessile drop methods.
In this masterclass, we will discuss how using a hooked needle with a transparent cuvette can simplify these measurements for challenging liquids and surfaces. We will introduce the inverted pendant drop method and go hands-on through setting up a measurement correctly with our Attension Theta Flow Optical tensiometer interfaced with a hook needle to measure surface and interfacial tension easily and accurately. Further, we will apply the hooked needle to perform a captive bubble measurement, an excellent tool for measuring the wettability of hydrated and otherwise high surface energy surfaces.
Presentation By:
Vincent Ovalle
Product Manager
Nanoscience Instruments
Coming Soon
Dilatational Interfacial Rheology with the Pulsating Drop Module
Abstract:
Full abstract coming soon!
Presentation By: