Adsorption-calorimetric determination of the surface energy of dispersed oxides

A new method is proposed for the determination of the surface free energy σ_S and interfacial free energy σ_SL, based on their linear dependence on the specific heat of wetting of dispersed materials by water. The σ_S and σ_SL values of Silochrome, silica gel, and γ-aluminum oxide were determined first by this method. The obtained results are compared with data obtained from the similarity method and the empirical relationship between σ_S and the surface pressure. It is demonstrated that the methods can be used to determine σ_S for the investigated sorbents. Conclusions about the hydrophilicity-hydrophobicity of their surface were reached on the basis of the results. __________ Translated from Teoreticheskaya i éksperimental’naya Khimiya, Vol. 43, No. 2, pp. 75–80, March–April, 2007.