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Spreading coefficient, spreading parameter

The spreading coefficient or parameter is a measure of the tendency of a liquid phase to spread (complete wetting) on a second, liquid or solid phase.

Background

The spreading coefficient S is the difference between the work of adhesion W1,2 between the phases and the work of cohesion W1,1 of the phase under consideration:

 

Equally, the spreading coefficient can be expressed as the difference between the surface tensions σ1 and σ2 and the interfacial tension σ1,2:

 

If the spreading coefficient is positive, the phase under consideration spreads; if it is negative, wetting is not complete.

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