1. Wettability

1.1 Definition

Wettability can be defined as the ability of a surface to be wetted by a liquid. Characterizing the wettability of a surface in relation to simple, model liquids, or more complex liquids such as molten polymers or colloidal suspensions, for example, makes it possible to predict the behavior of the surface in many applied situations.

An experimental parameter for characterizing the wettability of a surface, or in other words quantifying the affinity between a liquid and a surface, is the measurement of the contact angle θ of a deposited drop, if this is measurable as in the situation of partial wetting