Tensiometer (surface tension)

Tensiometers are used in research and development laboratories to determine the surface tension of liquids like coatings, lacquers or adhesives.

A further application field of tensiometers is the monitoring of industrial production processes like parts cleaning or electroplating.

This method is widely used for interfacial tension measurement between two liquids but care should be taken to make sure to keep the platinum ring undeformed.

Due to a large wetted length of the platinum plate, the surface tension reading is typically very stable compared to alternative methods.

The Du Noüy-Padday rod pull tensiometer will take measurements quickly and will work with liquids with a wide range of viscosities.

It is during this process that a characteristic pressure pattern develops (see picture), which is evaluated for determining the surface tension.