Contact angle and surface tension measurements reveal wetting characteristics of materials, which are very essential for both fundamental research and manufacturing processes. Among many types of techniques, optical contact angle measurement is considered to be the most convenient method and has been widely used. This scientific operating procedure (SOP) provides general guidance for using an optical contact angle measurement system (e.g., an AST VCA Optima system), for determining contact angle and surface tension of nanomaterials in solution. Procedures and recommendations for sample preparation, instrument preparation, sample analysis, and results analysis are included. This procedure was tested on a variety of nanomaterial dispersions. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.
Optical measurement techniques have been widely used for the determination of thin film thicknesses and optical constants. This standard operating procedure (SOP) presents a specific protocol for the determination of nanomaterial thin-film thicknesses and their optical constants-including the refractive index (RI) and the extinction coefficient-using a Filmetrics F40-UV Thin Film Analyzer. Procedures and recommendations of instrument preparation and parameters, sample measurement, and results analysis are included. The procedure applies to a wide range of nanomaterial thin films in the thickness range from approximately 4 nm to 25 µm. DISCLAIMER: The contents of this report are not to be used for advertising, publication, or promotional purposes. Citation of trade names does not constitute an official endorsement or approval of the use of such commercial products. All product names and trademarks cited are the property of their respective owners. The findings of this report are not to be construed as an official Department of the Army position unless so designated by other authorized documents.
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