Contact Angle, Liquid Surface Tension, Surface Free Energy

DMs-401
DMs-401

The DMs-401 is a compact yet high performance surface measuring instrument for the measurement of static and
dynamic contact angles, surface free energy of solids and surface and interfacial tension of liquids. Its functions
can be easily extended due to its sophisticated modular design.
Optional accessories, such as computer controlled dispenser, temperature control devices, external tilting stage
system are available.

FEATURES OF THE DMS-401

Fast image capture with 60fps

Sequential droplet images are captured at a rate of
60 frames per second. This allows the measurement
of contact angles and surface & interfacial tensions
as a function of time.
A 333fps image capture system is available as an option for demand of higher speed image capturing.
Applications: Initial spreading, absorbing property, effect of surface active agents

Extension/Contraction method
Advancing/Receding Angles are measured by increasing and decreasing the volume of captive
droplet. The optional automatic dispenser system is required for smooth and precise dynamic
motion of the volume change, to ensure reliable measurements.
Applications: Coating property, repellency, characterization of droplet hysteresis

Sliding method
Advancing/Receding Angles are measured using an external stage, tilting the measuring
instrument. The angle at which a droplet starts sliding from the solid surface is determined as
Sliding Angle. The Adhesive Energy between the droplet and the solid surface is analyzed at
the same time. The optional Sliding method kit is required.
Applications: Repellency/hydrophobicity, characterization of droplet hysteresis
 DMs-401
Surface Free Energy analysis of solids
Solid surface free energies and their polar and dispersive components are analyzed from the results of contact angle
measurements with different probe liquids. Geometric mean, Harmonic mean, acid-base, Interaction analysis (Work of Adhesion,
Interfacial Free Energy), Young-Dupré, Zisman are available. An optional Surface energy kit with 5 probe liquids and a set of
needles is available.
Applications: Adhesive property, characterization of surface modification, evaluation of hydrophilicity/hydrophobicity

Surface/Interfacial Tension of liquids

The optional pendant drop kit allows for measuring surface and interfacial tension of
liquids using the pendant drop method. The advantages compared to conventional
Wilhelmy plate method and du Noüy ring method are as follows:
- measurement with small liquid amount (less than 1mL)
- high temperature control such as molten polymer applications
- suitable for liquids which surfaces change quickly after exposure to air

Automatic recognition of drop deposition

The droplet deposition from the needle tip to the solid surface is recognized automatically
and the time interval between deposition and recognition can be set individually. This
function is very useful for samples that spread fast after depositing.
1.2uL
Live image, droplet volume monitoring
The image monitor displays a live image of the actual droplet and its droplet volume in L.
Using the optional automatic dispenser, the droplet volume is controlled by FAMAS
software.

Brightness and focus adjustment

With help of the brightness level indicator and the focusing aid with index graph and value
displayed in the image screen, operators can easily adjust a perfect image for precise
measurements

Black & white threshold level adjustment

The threshold level to determine the binary image can be adjusted before and after
measurement to distinguish to the droplet’s contour from its surroundings. Both relative
and absolute adjustments are possible to optimize image analysis.

Data chart & variable data

Besides the contact angle data, the droplet volume, sessile drop volume, absorbed droplet
volume, residual droplet ratio, droplet height and radius are obtained at the same time.
Contact angles measured as a function of time can be displayed in a chart.

Movie converter
The images of the contact angles measured as a function of time can be easily and
quickly converted to a MPG-1 of AVI movie file.

Droplet calibration standard Droplet calibration standard

The droplet calibration standard for standard view is a basic accessory. It is made of (standard view)
soda-lime glass bearing one full circle for calibration and three droplet silhouettes of 5°,
60°and 108° for periodic inspections of measurement accuracy.
With the help of this tool, users can easily perform routine maintenance to ensure reliability
of their measurements over long periods of time.
A droplet calibration standard for calibration of the camera wide-view setting, as well as
pendant drop calibration standards for standard and wide-view setting can be obtained
optionally. A certificate of accuracy of the full circle and droplet silhouettes can also be Droplet calibration standard
(wide view)
obtained optionally.

STANDARD COMPONENTS
Item Q’ty Item Q’ty
DMs-401 main body*1 1 Manual dispenser 1
Glass syringe set with 22G SUS needle 5 Set of Teflon coated needles, 2x 18G & 2x 22G 1
Droplet calibration standard (standard view) 1 Acrylic plate (for practice) 1
AC/DC adapter 1 USB cable 1
FAMAS software and license key 1 Operation manual (English) *2 1
*1 Main body features camera, LED lamp, stage devices and dispenser holder on its chassis.
*2 A windows PC is required to operate the instrument and can be ordered optionally.
DMs-401
SPECIFICATIONS
Measuring methods Sessile drop, Advancing/receding angle, Pendant drop, Sliding angle (option)
Contact angle: /2, Tangent, Curve fitting (ellipse, circle)
Analysis methods Surface and interfacial tension: Young Laplace, ds/de
Surface free energy of solids: Owens-Wendt, Kaelble-Uy, Kitazaki-Hata, Wu, acid-base, Zisman
Measuring range Contact angle: 0.01 to 180 Surface and interfacial tension: 0.01 to 100mN/m
Display resolution Contact angle: 0.01 Surface and interfacial tension: 0.01mN/m
Accuracy1) Contact angle: 0.2 Surface and interfacial tension: 0.2mN/m
Manual focus with 3 step manual zoom
Optical system
Field of view: 4.0 x 5.3mm, 7.2 x 9.6mm, 10.2 x 13.6mm ±5%
Sample stage size 150(W) x 100(D)mm
Applicable sample size 150(W) x 100(D) x 35(H)mm, weight 300g max.
X-axis: 150mm, manually via rotation knob
Stage travel range
Z-axis: 20mm, manually via rotation knob, additional 20mm via lockable sliding device
Standard: Manual dispenser
Droplet dispensing
Option: Computer-controlled dispenser
Dispensing resolution 0.1μl
Droplet deposition Manually via stage up/down movement
Standard: Ambient
Measuring temperature Option: Jacket type temperature-controlled (+5 to +90C)
Heater type temperature-controlled (ambient to +180C and ambient to +380C)
Power supply AC100-240V, 50/60Hz, 5.5W 15VA
Instrument dimensions 294(W) x 461(D) x 288(H)mm
Instrument weight 6.0 kg
Temperature: +10 to +35C, humidity: 30 to 80%RH (non-condensing)
Operating environment
Positioned away from sources of electrical noise and vibration
1)
Accuracy is the repeatability in terms of standard deviation based on manufacturer’s calibration standard.

SELECTION OF OPTIONAL ACCESSORIES

JACKET TYPE STAGE SET AUTOMATIC DISPENSER SET
For contact angle measurements in a temperature Computer controlled dispenser unit for quick and
range from about +5 to +90°C. precise creation of droplets, inclusive a control
A refrigerated/heated circulator is required for the box.
temperature control and a surface thermometer is
required to measure the solid’s surface temperature. SURFACE THERMOMETER
Portable thermometer with a built-in platinum
JACKET TYPE CHAMBER SET resistance sensor.
For surface and interfacial tension measurements in
a temperature range from about +5 to +90°C. THREE-STATE MEASUREMENT KIT
A refrigerated/heated circulator is required for the Set for contact angle measurements of a liquid on
temperature control, and a surface thermometer is a solid surface while immersed in a liquid. Liquids
needed to measure the liquid’s surface temperature. and air-bubbles can also be deposited on the solid
surface from beneath.
HEATER TYPE STAGE PACKAGE
For contact angle measurements in a temperature PENDANT DROP KIT
range from ambient to +180°C. Special needles, glass cuvettes and standard
The temperature controller 202E with PID control pendant drop samples for measurements of
system and with two built-in type K thermocouple surface and interfacial tension.
thermometers is included.
SURFACE FREE ENERGY KIT
HEATER TYPE CHAMBER PACKAGE Special needles and 5 probe liquids for the
For surface and interfacial tension measurements in analysis of surface free energy of solids.
a temperature range from ambient to +380°C.
The temperature controller 402E with PID control IMAGE CAPTURE SYSTEM 333
system and with two built-in type K thermocouple High speed camera for image capturing with a
thermometers is included. maximum of 333fps.

For detailed information, please contact our sales partner or us directly at +81-48-483-2629 or at overseas-sales@face-kyowa.co.jp.

Specifications and designs and designs are subject to change without notice. 1703