Surface Energy, Wetting and Adhesion

Abstract
Surface energies of solids can be estimated using contact angles of liquids of known surface tension and susceptibilities for polar or acid-base interactions. Interfacial tensions and work of adhesion can be calculated using these estimated energies. There are three circumstances in which performance or bond strengths are related directly to surface energies: when separation occurs interfacially, when interfaces are not completely wetted, and when third phases are present at the interface.