Capillary rise for thermodynamic characterization of solid particle surface

Surface properties in terms of surface free energy of solid particles were investigated using capillary rise experimental methods based on Washburn's equation. Two different approaches related to height and weight gain measurements were validated by silica flour and calcium carbonate surface studies. Dispersive components of the surface free energy and nondispersive components of solid-liquid energy of interaction were computed, Some differences observed are related to experimental data acquisitions. Many experimental difficulties, which led in the past to inaccurate wettability characteristics, have been controlled. A new link to the so-called geometrical factor of Washburn's equation has also been established after comparison of theoretical and experimental static and hydrodynamic radii, The high precision of the weight gain approach was achieved by strict control of experimental parameters such as temperature, powder packing, and sintered glass porosity. (C) 1997 Academic Press