Wetting: A Definition

The tendency of a liquid to spread over a surface. A decrease in the contact angle between the solution and the surface is shown by an increase in wetting. A zero contact angle corresponds to spontaneous spreading. The ease with which a surface can be wetted by water or by other liquids is an important property from many considerations, including detergency, waterproofing, oilproofing, dyeing, dispersion of pigments, and water adsorption. Wetting agents are classified practically according to their ability and speed in displacing air from solid surfaces. A surfactant can act as a wetting agent.
 

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For more information on surfactants, see the Surfactants Virtual Library.