The optical contact angle meters of the OCA series from DataPhysics Instruments are high-precision measuring systems for the characterisation of interfaces and surfaces. They combine high-resolution optics, pinpoint liquid dosing and precise sample positioning to create powerful, reliable measuring systems.

OCA15 EC entry-level contact angle meter

The entry-level model OCA 15EC enables basic methods of professional contact angle measurement and drop shape analysis. Thanks to the modular construction, even this entry-level model can be combined with many accessories, such as the TBU 100EC tilting unit.

OCA 25 standard contact angle meter

The OCA 25 standard model is the all-purpose system for contact angle measurements and drop shape analysis. The high-performance camera makes it possible to measure contact angles even on adsorbent surfaces such as tissues or powders. Compared to the entry-level OCA 15EC, additional measurements at higher temperatures of up to 700 °C are possible. Further advantages are the more precise positioning of the sample table as well as the compatibility with many more dosing systems, which allow electronic dosing and droplet volumes down to a minimum of ten nanolitres.

OCA 50 premium contact angle meter

The premium model OCA 50 is a fully automatic contact angle meter. It is suited perfectly to investigate the wettability of solid surfaces and determine their surface energy. Since the sample stage is electronically adjustable, complete measurement sequences from dosing and sample positioning to parameter analysis can be programmed according to the operator’s own specifications. The measurement sequences can be played repeatedly without manual intervention and thus meet highest reliability standards for measurement results. A special variant of the device enables measurements even on large 12″ wafers.

OCA 200 expert contact angle meter

The expert model OCA 200 is the contact angle measuring instrument for microscopic and macroscopic structures. Thanks to the 10x zoom lens and the autofocus system, the OCA 200 is suitable for any sample size from the macroscopic silicon wafer to the microscopic metal struts of a coronary stent. Together with the PDDS picolitre dosing system, the OCA 200 allows the analysis of droplets with a minimum volume of down to 30 picolitres.

Possible Measurements:

• static contact angle (sessile drop method, captive bubble method, sessile drop in top view)

• dynamic contact angle (roll-off contact angle and needle-in method)

• analysis of interfacial and surface tension with dispersive and polar parts (pendant drop method)

• analysis of surface energy with dispersive and polar parts (sessile drop method; manual or automatic measuring procedure with several test liquids, depending on model)

• analysis of the viscoelastic modulus (oscillating drop method)

• analysis of the work of adhesion

Features of contact angle meters of the OCA series:

• sample table either with magnetic base for horizontal position, adjustable in all three directions with high-precision mechanics or electronic axes, depending on model

• high-performance camera with up to 4276 frames/s and USB 3 interface, depending on model

• fast lens with 6,5-fold to 10-fold zoom, depending on model

• stepless focus and adjustable observation angle, manually or automatically depending on the model

• LED-lighting with manual and software-controlled intensity including automatic temperature drift compensation

• TP 50 control panel with touch screen and precision control wheel, included in OCA 50 and OCA 200

• compatible with the SD-DM single direct dosing system with one electronic syringe module

• compatible with the DD-DM double direct dosing system with up to two electronic syringe modules

• compatible with FDDS Flexdrop dosing system, which can dose two drops simultaneously with a minimum volume of 25 picolitre

• compatible with electronic multiple direct dosing systems DDE with up to four electronic syringe modules (OCA 25 and higher)

• compatible with the nanolitre dosing system, which can dose drops with a minimum volume of 10 nanolitres (OCA 25 and higher)

• with the PDDS picolitre dosing system, which allows minimum drop volumes of about 30 picolitres (only OCA 200)

• upgradeable with different environmental chambers for measuring at temperatures ranging from -30 °C up to 700 °C, depending on model

• upgradeable with the TVS TopView Video System, which allows the measurement of contact angles in indentations

• upgradeable with the manual tilting table TBA 360 and the electronic tilting unit TBU 100

• upgradeable with a humidity generator of the HGC series from DataPhysics Instruments (OCA 25 and higher)

The tensiometers of the DCAT series from DataPhysics Instruments are measuring instruments for force-based investigation of surface and interface properties. Because of the compact and modular product design of the DCAT series, a bespoke combination of device and accessories can be found for any use case.

DCAT 9 entry-level model

The DCAT 9 is the powerful entry-level model of the product series. It allows the measurement of surface and interfacial tensions as well as the determination of the density of solids and liquids.

DCAT 15 standard tensiometer

The DCAT 15 is the standard model of the DCAT series and offers more measurement methods and modular extensions compared to the entry-level model. In addition to measuring surface and interfacial tension as well as density, the DCAT 15 can be used to determine dynamic contact angles, the surface energy of solids and to investigate sedimentation and penetration properties. Together with the LDU 25 liquid dosing unit, automatic concentration series can be generated to determine the critical micelle formation concentration.

DCAT 25 premium tensiometer

The DCAT 25 is the multifunctional all-round model of the series, which can be equipped with many additional modules and many software functions. Due to the closed sample chamber, measurements can be carried out at defined humidity and at temperatures between
-15 °C and 300 °C. In addition, it is possible to investigate the viscoelasticity of monolayers in combination with the Langmuir trough module LTMr. As the only tensiometer in the DCAT series, this model can analyse the adhesive force extensively thanks to the additional UpVideo DCAT camera module.

DCAT 25SF single-fibre tensiometer

The DCAT 25SF single-fibre tensiometer contains a high-precision weighing system with a resolution of up to 0.1 μg. This enables measurements even on single carbon or glass fibres. Due to the closed sample chamber, measurements can be carried out at defined humidity and at temperatures between -15 °C and 135 °C. In addition, it is possible to investigate the viscoelasticity of monolayers in combination with the Langmuir trough module LTMr.  Furthermore, concentration series for determining the critical micelle concentration (CMC) can be automatically generated and measured.

Possible measurements:

• surface and interfacial tension

• density of solids and liquids

• dynamic contact angles (DCAT 15 and higher)

• surface energy of solids (DCAT 15 and higher)

• determination of the critical micelle concentration (DCAT 15 and higher)

• sedimentation/penetration (DCAT 15 and DCAT 25)

• analysis of adhesive force (DCAT 25)

• surface pressure (DCAT 25 and DCAT 25SF)

• viscoelasticity of monolayers (DCAT 25 and DCAT 25SF)

Features of force-based tensiometers of the DCAT series

• electrodynamic compensation weighing system with a resolution of 100 μg (DCAT 9 and DCAT 15), 10 μg  (DCAT 25) or 0.1 μg  (DCAT 25SF) as well as automatic and manual calibration function

• software-controlled, motorised height positioning of sample vessels at variable speed

• automatic coupling lock for the weighing system

• automatic collision protection for sample bodies during measurement

• built-in magnetic stirrer

• digital thermometer with ports for two Pt100 temperature sensors

• illuminated sample chamber (DCAT 9 and  DCAT 15) or closed, illuminated sample chamber for measurements at defined humidity and temperature (DCAT 25 and DCAT 25SF)

• upgradeable with various temperature control systems for measurements at temperatures between -15 °C and up to 300 °C, depending on model

• upgradeable with the LDU 25 liquid dosing unit for the automated generation of concentration series to determine critical micelle concentration (CMC) (DCAT 15 and higher)

• upgradeable with the UpVideo DCAT camera to analyse the force of adhesion per area (DCAT 25)

• upgradeable with Langmuir trough module LTMr for the investigation of monolayers (DCAT 25 and DCAT 25SF)

The MBP 200 bubble pressure tensiometer from DataPhysics Instruments is a powerful measuring device for determining the dynamic surface tension of liquid solutions. To do so, it uses the maximum bubble pressure method.

The MBP 200 can direct a volume flow of gas through a capillary into a liquid, creating bubbles at the capillary opening. In order to track the pressure within the gas bubbles, the device contains a sensitive pressure sensor. Based on the detected pressure maxima, the surface age of the bubble and the dynamic surface tension is calculated. Additionally, the MBP 200 has a valve arrangement, which can generate volume flows of different strengths, to realise different surface ages for the measurement.

The MBP 200 can be used to determine dynamic surface tensions in the range between 10 mN/m and 100 mN/m for surface ages between 5 milliseconds and 200 seconds. This makes the device ideal for analysing liquids, such as surfactant solutions, in a wide dynamic range.

Features of the MBP 200 bubble pressure tensiometer

• the MBP 200 can be fitted with both reusable glass capillaries and disposable capillaries. The disposable plastic capillaries can be used in a wide dynamic range. They reduce the effort required for cleaning and prevent cross-contamination.

• the MBP 200 can measure high differential pressures up to over 3400 Pascal, which enables the analysis of highly viscous liquids, such as certain oils.

• the temperature of the sample vessel can be set between -15 °C and 135 °C with the help of various optional temperature control units. This allows the dynamic surface tension to be analysed in dependence of the temperature.

• with the optional LDU 25 liquid dosing unit, concentration series can be carried out automatically. This enables users to determine the dynamic surface tension for different surface ages as a function of the concentration, for example of a surfactant or additive, in a single measuring procedure.

• the sample vessel is surrounded by a splash guard, which reduces the cleaning effort.

• a collision protection mechanism prevents the capillary from colliding with the bottom of the vessel. This prevents damage to the capillary and the device.

• upgradeable with the TP 50 control panel for intuitive device operation

The PCA 200 portable contact angle goniometer from DataPhysics Instruments is a hand-held device for autonomous and mobile measurement of the surface energy of solid surfaces. Its lightweight design and intuitive user interface make it the ideal tool for analysing surfaces in production and quality control.

The PCA 200 portable contact angle goniometer offers three options for control, device settings and advanced analyses. The integrated device computer allows autonomous measurements, the user-friendly browser-based interface enables to set device parameters and to export measurement results, the dpiMAX software makes advanced analyses and a straightforward data management possible.

Features of the PCA 200 portable contact angle goniometer

• Stand-alone, mobile device: as a compact and mobile hand-held device, the PCA 200 can be used directly on site, wherever it is needed. Thanks to the integrated computer and software, it can be operated as a wireless, stand-alone measurement solution.

• Display with live preview image: before the measurement, the device display provides a live preview image of the surface to be analysed. This function allows visual inspection and adjustment to ensure that each measurement is taken in exactly the right place. After the measurement, the device immediately shows the measured values on its display.

• Measurement with two test liquids: the PCA 200 can dispense the test liquids diiodomethane and water simultaneously, and directly measure their contact angles on the solid sample. This makes it possible to determine the surface energy at the touch of a button, increasing the efficiency of work processes.

• Quickly determine the surface energy: the PCA 200 determines the surface energy of samples quickly and reliably using well established interaction models (OWRK and Wu model). These models enable a differentiated analysis of the polar and dispersive components of the surface energy.

• Long operating time: with a powerful lithium-ion battery, the PCA 200 is equipped for a long operating time. In addition, the cartridges for the two test liquids are sufficiently large to allow a great number of measurements without having to refill them.

The ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer is a laboratory measuring instrument for an accurate and fast zeta potential measurement, i.e., the charge near the surface in solution. It uses a patented measuring method based on the bidirectional measurement of the streaming potential or the streaming current.

The ZPA 20 uses removable measuring cells for different types of materials. Therefore, plate-shaped samples as well as fibres and powders can be easily prepared and placed in the corresponding measuring cell. A consistent packing density of the powders and fibres is easy to obtain. The ZPA 20 has measuring sensors for voltage, current, conductivity, pH, pressure, and temperature.

Thanks to its powerful stepper motor, the ZPA 20 can make the electrolyte flow through the measuring cell at different speeds and pressures, alternately from opposite directions. This results in measurement results with high statistical accuracy. Concentration-dependent measurements can be realised with the optional LDU 25 liquid dosing unit. Thus, one can, amongst other things, determine the isoelectric point automatically.

Features of the ZPA 20 zeta potential analyzer:

• patented measuring method based on bidirectional analysis of the streaming potential or streaming current

• powerful stepper motor for oscillations with up to 0.5 Hz

• measuring probes for voltage, current, conductivity, pH, pressure, and temperature

• typical measuring time for individual zeta potentials less than one minute

• LDU 25 optional liquid dosing unit for automated change of pH value or other changes in concentration

The SVT 25 spinning drop tensiometer is an optical instrument for measuring low to ultra-low interfacial tensions and for investigating interfacial rheological properties.

Ultra-low interfacial tensions occur particularly in microemulsions, which are used, among other things, in enhanced oil recovery (EOR).

Features of the SVT 25 spinning drop tensiometer:

• measurement of ultra-low interfacial tensions based on the contour of rotating drops according to the models of Vonnegut, Cayias-Schechter-Wade or Young-Laplace

• highly dynamic measuring drive with 0 to 20000 rpm

• oscillation measurements with oscillation periods of 0.5 s to ∞ and a maximum acceleration of 500 revolutions/square second

• motorised tilting table

• fast lens with 6.5x zoom and integrated, continuous fine focus

• motorised optic alignment for automatic tracking of moving drops

• high-performance camera with USB 3 interface, 2/3″ sensor, up to 2048 x 1088 pixels, and up to 3250 frames/s

• precise and quick capillary exchange system

• temperature-controlled measuring chambers able to set temperatures between -30 °C and 180 °C

• special capillary for water-based samples at temperatures up to 130 °C

• automatic calibration function to correct optical distortion caused by the capillary’s cylindrical lens effect

• TP 50 control panel with touch screen and precision control wheel included

The MultiScan MS 20 stability analysis system is a compact and versatile measuring instrument for the optical stability and ageing analysis of disperse multiphase mixtures, especially suspensions and emulsions.

The MultiScan MS 20 enables non-destructive and temporally as well as spatially resolved optical stability and ageing analysis of emulsions, suspensions, and foams – undiluted and under realistic storage conditions. With sample chambers in discrete measurement towers – the ScanTowers – up to six measurements can be performed at the same time, covering different observation durations and different temperatures or temperature profiles.

The software then analyses and visualises the results, such as destabilisation mechanisms – sedimentation, creaming, or flocculation – and sample parameters such as particle size.

Features of the MultiScan MS 20 dispersion stability analysis system:

• time- and position-dependent stability and ageing analysis of dispersions

• measurements at temperatures and temperature curves between -10° and 80° C

• customised temperature profiles can be set by the operator

• ports for six separately configurable sample chambers

• built-in barcode scanner for easy sample recognition

• optional hand-held scanner available

• integrated touch screen controlling all connected sample chambers

The humidity generators of the HGC series enable the automatic control of relative humidity in the range of 5 % to 90 % in small and medium-sized closed measuring chambers. The humidity generators can be connected to the measuring chambers of many DataPhysics Instruments systems. They can also be combined with laboratory measuring instruments of other manufacturers.

The HGC 20 humidity generator can independently generate a dry air flow from the ambient air, using its integrated pump and the desiccant reservoir. Together with the heated water container, the desired humidity can then be produced. The flow rate is constant at 600 millilitres per minute.

The HGC 30 can generate humidity not only by utilising ambient air and the built-in heatable water container, but also via an external gas supply with compressed air, nitrogen, and argon. Variable flow rates between 70 and 600 ml/min with ambient air and 70 to 3500 ml/min are possible. The integrated pressure regulator is specially calibrated for nitrogen and argon. 

Features of the humidity generators:

• control and generation of relative humidity in the range of 5% to 90%

• independent generation of dry air from ambient air

• heatable water container

• heated gas connection tube to the measuring chamber avoids condensation

• calculation of the dew point in the measuring chamber

• automatic drying of the desiccant by built-in heating in two alternately used desiccant flasks

• easy control via built-in touch screen or optional software

• serial RS 485 or USB interface