Identifying and developing compatible liquid-solid combinations is the key to effective wetting and adhesion. Evaluating the interaction between substrate and coating properties to see the overall picture of the wetting process will allow for the prediction of the adhesion and the long-term bonding of the coating. To do this, there must be a solid understanding of interfacial chemistry, or the physical and chemical conditions that exist when two phases interact.
Interfacial chemistry plays a significant role when working with coatings, specifically the surface tension (SFT) of liquids and the surface free energy (SFE) of solids. These parameters are often measured or calculated in order to optimize the adhesion properties and obtain long-lasting adhesion that will inhibit delamination and adhesion failures. Once these characteristics have been determined, the work of adhesion (WOA) and interfacial tension (IFT) between coatings and a substrate of interest can be deduced.