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The surface and interfacial tension of liquids, as well as the wetting properties of solids, can be determined using the DCAT, dynamic contact angle tensiometer. All measurements are based on the response, of a research grade balance, to the surface interaction of a solid component being drawn through or out of a liquid below it.

In combination with the SCAT software the DCAT 11 provides the following
functions:

• Measurement of static surface and interfacial tensions on liquids.
• Measurement of contact angles on powders, fibre bundles and the adsorption behaviour of liquids on wettable materials.
• Measurement of dynamic contact angles (advancing and receding angles) on any prismatic and cylindrical sample geometries including single fibres.
• Determination of critical micelle formation concentrations (CMC) of surfactant solutions (forward, reverse and extended mode).
• Determination the wetted length or diameter of solid samples.
• Calculation of surface free energies of solid materials.
• Calculation of the work of adhesion between previously 'unknown' liquids and solids.

In addition; the provision of specific accessories and software routines enables the determination of liquid density, sedimentation rate (of solids from solution) and penetration rate (yield of soft gels and pastes).