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)