ABSTRACT
The methods based on the axisymmetric drop shape analysis (ADSA) for the evaluation of the interfacial and surface tension of fluid interfaces are reviewed in this chapter. Interfacial and surface tensions are fundamental to a wide range of scientific disciplines and technologies, and several experimental methods have been developed for their measurement. Among all of these methods, those based on the ADSA are the most used due to their versatility. Actually, they consist in analyzing the profile of axisymmetric drops, such as pendant or sessile drop, and rely on the equilibrium between capillary and gravity forces. In particular, the use of the pendant drop method has gained enormous ground in the fields of polymer science and supercritical fluid nanotechnology. In this chapter, the theoretical background of the pendant drop method is firstly
discussed and details on the experimental apparatus are described. Furthermore, some examples of the use of pendant drop method in supercritical fluid technology are reviewed.
