Perekat & Sealant

Adhesives and sealants are essential in joining materials without mechanical fasteners, offering advantages such as weight reduction, stress distribution, and design flexibility. They are used in diverse applications—from structural bonding in aerospace to waterproof sealing in construction and micro-assembly in electronics.

The effectiveness of an adhesive or sealant depends on its ability to wet and adhere to the substrate. This is influenced by the surface energy of the substrate, the surface tension of the adhesive, and the cleanliness or treatment of the surface. Poor wetting leads to weak bonds, delamination, or failure under stress.

DataPhysics Instruments addresses these challenges with a suite of tools designed to characterize surface and interfacial properties. The OCA series measures contact angles and surface energy, providing insights into how well an adhesive will spread on a given surface. The DCAT tensiometer evaluates surface and interfacial tension, crucial for understanding the interaction between adhesives and substrates. The PCA 200 offers portable contact angle measurement for in-field quality control.

Surface preparation is a critical step in adhesive bonding. Techniques such as plasma treatment, chemical etching, or mechanical abrasion are used to increase surface energy and remove contaminants. DataPhysics devices allow users to quantify the effectiveness of these treatments by comparing contact angle and surface energy values before and after processing.

In formulation development, understanding the rheological and interfacial behavior of adhesives helps optimize viscosity, flow, and curing characteristics. This ensures that adhesives not only bond effectively but also perform reliably over time and under varying conditions.

Furthermore, DataPhysics tools support quality assurance by enabling consistent, repeatable measurements that can be integrated into production workflows. This reduces variability, enhances product reliability, and supports compliance with industry standards.