Maximum Force Technique for the Measurement of the Surface Tension of a Small Droplet by AFM

An atomic force microscope (AFM) is used to measure the meniscus force on a vertical quartz rod as the rod is pulled through an air/liquid interface. A fluid bridge forms between the liquid and the base of the rod as the rod is withdrawn from the liquid. The force reaches a maximum as the bridge necks down and finally detaches from the rod. The maximum force on the rod is independent of the material of the rod and can be used to calculate the surface tension of the liquid. Alternately, if the surface tension of the liquid is known, the maximum force of the meniscus can be used to calibrate the spring constant of the AFM cantilever. The contact angle of the liquid on the rod was calculated as the rod was inserted into the liquid droplet. Contact angle hysteresis was observed. Results are presented of the measurement of the meniscus force of water, 10−3 M cetyl trimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB) and tetradecane as the rod is withdrawn from the liquid.