The surface tension of a solid surface is not amenable to direct experimental measurement. The most common method for assessing this surface tension is by contact angle measurements. The currently optimal way to measure and interpret contact angles is discussed, emphasizing the yet unresolved issues. It is argued that the most meaningful measurements to be done are of the most stable apparent contact angle (from which the surface tension of the solid is eventually assessed) and the contact angle hysteresis range (which indicates the existence and degree of chemical heterogeneities and roughness).
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