Assessing the equation of state and comparing it with other relationships used for determining the surface tension of solids

Some facts regarding the equation of state (EQS) in calculating the surface tension of solids by means of contact angle measurements were manifested. In the present investigation, it was mathematically proved that the surface tension of a solid as estimated by the EQS is in fact equivalent to the Zisman critical surface tension for that same solid. Additionally, the applicability of the EQS's approach in attaining the surface tension of powdered solids by the aid of the capillary rise procedure is also discussed and its limitations are clarified. Furthermore, a methodology was devised so that the surface tension of solids as determined by the EQS could be compared with those calculated by approaches using components of surface tension. This methodology revealed that the applications of approaches based on the geometric mean (i.e. Owens/Wendt and van Oss et al. relationships) are restricted to achieving only high surface tensions of solids.