Surface energy

The surface energy, or conversely, the surface tension, is a value that characterises the interaction of the surface of a solid or a liquid with its environment. It is measured in mN/m. The surface energy is a criterion for determining, for example, the ability of materials to be bonded. The surface energy may be increased by plasma treatment. The surface energies may be from around 20mN/m (PTFE) to several thousand mN/m (metals, diamond).