Plasma Knowledge Base

Dyne Test

Written by George Osenga | Aug 17, 2021 7:18:03 PM
When a surface undergoes  plasma treatment, it gains “surface energy.” This process is called  surface activation and this increases a surfaces adherence capability, meaning paint and glues will stick more effectively. The quickest and easiest way to measure  surface energy is by using  dyne tests. Dyne tests come in kits that contain droppers or pens with liquids that have a range of surface energy. If the liquid beads up right away, this means the surface energy is less than that of the liquid. By conducting multiple  dyne tests you can determine an accurate range for how much surface energy a material has. With that knowledge you can evaluate that surface’s adhesion potential.

More about Dyne Testing

Dyne tests measure surface wettability or adhesion. Dyne is used as a unit of force in the milli-newton per meter system of units. When using  dyne tests you are capable of  measuring surface tension in the units millinewtons per meter or dyne per centimeter. There are other ways to calculate a surface’s adhesion properties other than a dyne test, such as  contact angle, but this requires expensive equipment.  Dyne tests are a very simple, inexpensive and accurate approach to evaluating the level of activation a surface has undergone.

To learn more about the use of plasma in manufacturing, please read our eBook titled "Manufacturer’s Surface Activation Guide for Improved Adhesion."