wetting agent
A substance, usually a SURFACE-ACTIVE AGENT
, which reduces the surface tension of a liquid
and therefore increases its adhesion to a solid
surface. Improved wettability is observed as a
lower (often zero) contact angle between the solid
and liquid. A wetting agent usually consists of a
molecule with a hydrophilic (water attracting)
group at one end and a hydrophobic (water
repelling, and therefore oil attracting) group at
the other. Wetting agents are used to improve
absorbency of blotting papers, and for improving
dispersibility of pigments. such as calcium
carbonate and titanium oxide. (98 , 222 )
![[CoOL]](/icons/sm_cool.gif){kind=icon}