Comparison of Surface Free Energy Calculation Methods

The paper presents the main methods of surface free energy calculation of solids based on the contact angle measurement. The basic of splitting the surface free energy into components as well as interactions at the solid-liquid boundary phase considered while developing calculation models were presented. Basing on test results of surface free energy of 0H18N9T stainless steel, the relation between the method of surface preparation and the surface free energy were shown. The analysis focuses on change of the polar part. Differences between methods were indicated and it was pointed that skipping the polar component in analysis of adhesive joints strength results in deterioration of prediction model.