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ramé-hart
Newsletter
April 2025 |
| Surface Energy in Adhesive Bonding Applications |
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Adhesive bonding plays an important role in a variety of industries, from aerospace and automotive to electronics and packaging. Achieving reliable and durable adhesion depends not just on the adhesive formulation but also on the surface energy of the materials being bonded. Surface energy is a measure of a solid's tendency to attract or repel liquids. A higher surface energy generally promotes better wetting, which is a predictor of strong adhesive bonding. When a liquid adhesive spreads easily over a substrate, creating a low contact angle, it signifies good wettability. Conversely, a high contact angle suggests poor wetting, leading to weak or inconsistent bonds. To optimize adhesive bonding, it's critical to assess and adjust the surface energy of the solid surface. ramé-hart goniometer instrument products provide an effective and accurate method for measuring contact angle, which is then used to calculate the surface energy of a solid. Using the sessile drop method, a droplet of liquid is placed on the substrate, and the contact angle is measured precisely. By using surface energy tools like the two-liquid tool1, the polar and dispersive components of surface energy can be quantified. Understanding these values can help determine whether a substrate requires surface treatment2—like plasma or corona treatment—or a different adhesive formulation. Additionally, ramé-hart's DROPimage Pro and DROPimage Advanced software packages offer additional powerful surface energy tools, helping users make informed decisions to enhance bonding performance. Surface roughness can also significantly influence adhesive bonding because it affects how well an adhesive wets and spreads on a surface. When a surface is smooth, the adhesive can make close, uniform contact, leading to strong bonds if the surface energy is favorable. However, real-world surfaces are often rough, with features ranging from microscopic to nanoscopic scales. Moderate roughness can increase the actual contact area between the adhesive and the substrate, potentially strengthening the bond. However, if the surface is too rough or has a complex, fractal-like structure, it can trap air pockets or prevent complete contact, weakening the bond.
Researchers in Nepal (using a ramé-hart Goniometer), for example, propose that cold atmospheric pressure plasma treatment may be an ideal method for increasing surface energy and improving bonding adhesion for polymeric materials like high-density polyethylene without altering the bulk material properties.3 Optimizing adhesive performance requires a thorough understanding of surface energy, as well as controlling surface roughness and functionalization. In industries where reliable adhesion is critical, measuring and optimizing surface energy with a ramé-hart goniometer can lead to better product performance, reduced material waste, and increased production efficiency. Notes |
| Product of the Month - Model 210 |
| The ramé-hart Model 210 Contact Angle Goniometer (see photo above) is a powerful and precise instrument designed for measuring contact angle, surface energy, and surface tension, making it an ideal tool for adhesion-related applications. Whether you need to evaluate the wettability of a substrate, optimize surface treatments, or ensure strong adhesive bonding, Model 210 delivers accurate and reliable results. Featuring a high-resolution U4 Series camera running at 520fps, DROPimage Pro software, and powerful yet easy-to-use analysis tools, this tool provides comprehensive data for industries ranging from coatings and packaging to biomedical and electronics. With its user-friendly operation and robust capabilities, the Model 210 is the perfect choice for researchers and engineers looking to enhance adhesion performance through precise surface characterization. |
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Regards,
Carl Clegg |
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