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Langmuir/Langmuir-Blodgett troughs
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Langmuir tanks are used to obtain and study monomolecular layers at liquid-gas or liquid-liquid interfaces. Combined with an ascent system (Langmuir-Blodgett tank), they also enable the transfer of such layers onto solid substrates. Sequential immersion and ascent leads to the formation of multilayer coatings. We supply a full range of surface research products from the market leader KSV NIMA. In addition to standard tank sizes, custom tanks can be manufactured upon request, equipped with wells, spectroscopic measurement windows, baffles, reaction channels, and more. All tanks manufactured by KSV NIMA are made from a single piece of Teflon (PTFE), without welds, adhesives, or joints.
Areas of application:
Biomembranes and biomolecular interactions (modeling of cell membranes, conformational changes and membrane reactions, drug transport)
Organic and inorganic coatings (functional coatings of materials; nanotubes, graphene)
Surface reactions (polymerization reactions, immunological and enzymatic interactions, biosensors, adsorption and desorption studies)
Surfactants and colloids (stability studies of colloids, emulsions, foams, dispersion interactions)
Rheological studies of thin films.
Langmuir tanks are used to obtain and study monomolecular layers at liquid-gas or liquid-liquid interfaces. Combined with an ascent system (Langmuir-Blodgett tank), they also enable the transfer of such layers onto solid substrates. Sequential immersion and ascent leads to the formation of multilayer coatings. We supply a full range of surface research products from the market leader KSV NIMA. In addition to standard tank sizes, custom tanks can be manufactured upon request, equipped with wells, spectroscopic measurement windows, baffles, reaction channels, and more. All tanks manufactured by KSV NIMA are made from a single piece of Teflon (PTFE), without welds, adhesives, or joints.
Areas of application:
Biomembranes and biomolecular interactions (modeling of cell membranes, conformational changes and membrane reactions, drug transport)
Organic and inorganic coatings (functional coatings of materials; nanotubes, graphene)
Surface reactions (polymerization reactions, immunological and enzymatic interactions, biosensors, adsorption and desorption studies)
Surfactants and colloids (stability studies of colloids, emulsions, foams, dispersion interactions)
Rheological studies of thin films.
LB BATHTUB BROCHURE ACCESSORIES BROCHURE THIN LAYER APPLICATION BROCHURE
| Small | Medium | Liquid-Liquid Medium | Large | Liquid-Liquid High Compression | High Compression | Alternate | Roll-to-Roll | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Area (cm²) | 98 | 273 | 269 (197*) | 841 | 580 (423*) | 587 | 586 (x2**) | 2330 |
| Internal dimensions of the upper part of the trough (L x W x H mm) | 195 x 50 x 4 | 364 x 75 x 4 | 364 x 74 x 7 (364 x 54 x 10*) | 580 x 145 x 4 | 784 x 74 x 7 (784 x 54 x 10*) | 782 x 75 x 5 | 782 x 75 x 5 (x2**) | 685 x 340 x 4 |
| Maximum compression ratio | 5.2 | 10.8 | 10.8 | 18 | 24.7 | 24.7 | 3.9 | – |
| Barrier speed (mm/min) | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 | 0.1…270 |
| Scale measuring range (mN/m) | 0…300 | 0…300 | 0…300 | 0…300 | 0…300 | 0…300 | 0…300 | 0…300 |
| Maximum weight load (g) | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Scale resolution (μN/m) | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 | 0.03 |
| Upper part of the Langmuir Trough | • | • | – | • | • | • | – | – |
| Total subphase volume (mL) | 39 | 109 | – | 336 | 406 (212*) | 293 | – | – |
| Upper Langmuir-Blodgett Trough | • | • | • | • | – | – | • | • |
| Total subphase volume (mL) | 57 | 176 | 450 | 578 | – | – | 1400 | 5430 |
| Immersion chamber dimensions (L x W x H mm) | 20 x 30 x 30 | 20 x 56 x 60 | 20 x 54 x 60 | 20 x 110 x 110 | – | – | Semicircle, radius 75; depth 74 | 300 x 300 x 50 |
| Maximum sample size (D x W x H mm) | 3 x 26 x 26 (1 inch) | 3 x 52 x 56 (2 inches) | 3 x 50 x 56 | 3 x 106 x 106 (4 inches) | – | – | 3 x 30 x 50 (min. height 30 mm) | 200 (floor width) |
| Immersion speed (mm/min) | 0.1…108 | 0.1…108 | 0.1…108 | 0.1…108 | – | – | 0.1…108 | 1…100 (substrate feed speed) |
| Pull angle | – | – | – | – | – | – | – | Adjustable, 30–90° increments |
| The upper part of the microscopy trough in a straight configuration | • | – | – | – | – | – | – | Adjustable, 30–90° increments |
| Upper part of the trough for inverted microscopy | – | • | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| The upper part of the trough with a ribbon barrier | – | • | – | – | – | – | – | – |
| Compatibility | ||||||||
| KSV NIMA ISR | – | – | – | – | • | • | – | – |
| KSV NIMA MicroBAM | – | • | – | • | – | • | • | • |
| KSV NIMA SPOT | – | • | • | • | – | • | – | • |
The KSV NIMA LB system features easy-to-use and intuitive software. It allows the user to utilize numerous pre-programmed measurement methods for experiments using both standard Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett tanks. Previously saved methods can be modified to meet the user's needs. The wide range of data and parameters saved allows for easy selection of specific information. Recorded parameters include: number of measurement points, time, barrier position, barrier velocity, trough top surface area, layer area, dipper position, dipper velocity, layer number, diffusion coefficient, total diffusion, temperature, pH, and surface potential.
- Standard software allows you to:
– measurement of compression/relaxation isotherms
– analysis of reaction/interaction kinetics
– analysis of particle penetration into the monolayer, solubility and binding of biomolecules
– measurement of isobars and isochore
– measurement of the viscoelastic properties of the layer (oscillating barriers)
– measurement and control of immersion speed
After conducting an experiment, the user can return to the saved data and analyze the results. Clicking on a specific experiment displays the data, and experimental data from different experiments can be displayed in a single graph for comparison. The software also allows for viewing and editing the measurement setup, which is very helpful when data needs to be recalculated based on new material data.
Product advantages:
– Modern and intuitive software.
– Ultra-sensitive surface tension meter for highly precise measurements. Also available with platinum plates, platinum needles, or paper plates.
– The open structure of the system ensures easy and quick replacement of bathtub trays, even in a matter of seconds, as well as easy cleaning or modification of the system.
– The channels for L bathtubs and LB bathtubs are made of a single piece of Teflon, which eliminates leaks, does not contain potentially contaminating glue in the construction and also facilitates the cleaning process.
– Compression barriers made of hydrophilic Derlin to increase monolayer stability. Hydrophobic PTFE barriers are also available upon request. Furthermore, a sturdy metal frame prevents deformation of the barriers over time.
– The delicate design of the frame allows the combination of optical techniques for more accurate characterization, such as PM IRRAS infrared spectroscopy, Brewster angle microscopy, fluorescence microscopy.
– Symmetric compression for homogeneous monolayer packing. Asymmetric compression is optionally available on each device.
– The centrally located dipper well ensures uniform deposition of the monolayer on the sample surface.
– Controlled sub-phase bath temperature using a built-in heating jacket connected to an external circulation thermostat (thermostat available separately).
– Adjustable legs of the bathtub frame allow for quick leveling of the bathtub and, when unscrewed, allow for placement, for example, on a microscope.
Langmuir/Langmuir bathtubs – Blodgett
Available in several sizes: Small, Medium, and Large. It's important to note that all systems can be easily switched between standard configurations, sample deposition systems, and microscopy configurations. All Small and Medium tubs utilize the same frame type, allowing for easy tray swaps if necessary.
LB KSV NIMA film deposition tanks allow for the deposition of films on samples ranging in size from a few square millimeters to several dozen square centimeters. The tank well dimensions, and therefore the sample size, depend on the LB tank model (detailed dimensions are in the table). The standard vertical deposition mechanism (using a Dipper) can be replaced with the LS (Langmuir-Schaefer) mechanism, which allows for horizontal deposition of a film on the sample surface.
- LB "Ribbon Barrier"„
These vibrating barrier baths allow for the study and transfer of highly packed layers of molecules to the sample surface. They enable more precise compression of the layer on the surface. The deposition of the layers on the sample surface can then be used for more detailed characterization of the layer.
Technical specifications:
– maximum surface area (cm2): 148.4
– minimum surface area (cm2): 40.5
– maximum compression/expansion speed (mm/min): 270
– compression/expansion resolution (mm/min): 0.01
– barrier positioning accuracy (mm): 0.01
– barrier composition: PTFE-coated glass fiber
– number of barriers supplied: 5
– volume of the Langmuir bath subphase with ribbon barriers (ml): 161*
– LB bath subphase volume with ribbon barriers (ml): 226*
– dipper well dimensions (mm): L20 x W56 x H65
– maximum sample dimensions (mm): T3 x W52 x H63
– software: KSV NIMA LB Software
(* the level is set in the middle of the ribbon barriers)
- LB Alternate-Layer Deposition
A system designed to deposit alternating layers of two materials forming layers on a liquid surface. The device allows for the simultaneous formation of two Langmuir films in separate chambers, and the sample can be transferred between them in the desired order, resulting in successive layer deposition.
- Roll-to-roll LB Trough MOVIE
Roll-to-Roll LB (R2R LB) technology expands the capabilities of LB technology. In the R2R LB process, a flexible substrate is continuously fed into a trough where it passes through a monolayer of nanoparticles or other material. This enables rapid coverage of large substrate surfaces while precisely controlling the deposition parameters.
Contact angle – What is it and how do you measure it?
Presentation of the operating principle of contact angle measurements.
Surface and interfacial tension - What is it and how to measure it?
Presentation of the operating principle of surface and interfacial tension measurements.
The Attension Theta Flex Optical Tensiometer with 3D Topography Module
Presentation of the capabilities of the Theta tensiometer with topography module.
Wetability Measurements for Enhanced Oil Recovery Optimization
Optimization of the oil recovery process based on wettability studies.
Wetability Measurements in Biomedical Applications
Presentation of the capabilities of Attension tensiometers in biomedical applications.
Adhesion How to Use Contact Angle Measurements to Predict Adhesion and Bonding?
Application of contact angle tests in adhesion measurements.
Using Attension Tensiometers to Evaluate Wetability in Li-ion Batteries
Use of Sigma tensiometers in the study of wettability of Li-Ion batteries.
Interfacial Rheology as Foam and Emulsion Stability Indicator
Emulsion stability testing using an optical tensiometer.
Interfacial Rheology as Foam and Emulsion Stability Indicator
Using the Theta tensiometer with the High pressure module to increase oil recovery using nanoparticles.
Influence of droplet volume on contact angle
Presentation of the effect of droplet volume on the measured contact angle.
Determination of the Optimal Plasma Treatment Time of Polypropylene
Influence of plasma exposure time on the surface properties of polypropylene.
Prove of Superior Coatings Quality with Dynamic Contact Angle
The influence of the coating on the surface properties determined by the dynamic contact angle measurement method.
Interfacial rheology of monolayers at the air-water interface
Presentation of the operation of the ISR module of the KSV-NIMA system on the example of measurements of viscoelastic properties at the water-air interface.
Reaching high monolayer surface pressures using a ribbon barrier trough: the case of near-zero surface tension pulmonary surfactants
Presentation of the use of a ribbon barrier trough to achieve high surface tensions (>70 mN/m).
Fabricating Highly Organized Nanoparticle Thin Films
Introduction to the principles of operation of the Langmuir and Langmuir-Blodgett systems and the preparation of highly organized monolayers.
Nanostrand Formation of Block Copolymers at the Air/Water Interface
Presentation of the preparation of monolayers in the form of copolymer structures using LB.
Brewster Angle Microscopy
Presentation of the operating principle and possibilities of imaging structures obtained in KSV-NIMA systems using the Brewster angle microscope.
Highly Controlled Nanoparticle Deposition using the Langmuir-Blodgett Method
Presentation of the possibilities of depositing monolayers of nanoparticles in KSV-NIMA systems.
What samples are suitable for contact angle testing using the topography module in Theta tensiometers? 
Topography measurements are suitable for samples with microscale roughness (analysis range of approximately 1–60 µm). Additionally, samples must be diffusive, i.e., opaque. Sample height is limited to 22 mm.
What droplet sizes can be produced using Theta tensiometers?
The minimum and maximum droplet size depends on the type of liquid and the needle used, as well as the substrate. The table below provides approximate values for water.
All volumes refer to drops suspended from the needle (except for the picoliter dispenser). This is because the amount of liquid transferred from the needle to the substrate depends on the surface area:
- if the substrate is highly hydrophilic, more liquid is transferred
- if it is highly hydrophobic, the amount of liquid on the surface may be less than in the needle
Please note that the values given are approximate and depend on the measuring system and environmental conditions.
| Dispenser type | Needle | Volume range | Type of measurements |
| Manual syringe Automatic single liquid dispenser |
14 G | 4 – 25 µl | ST, IT, (CA) |
| Manual syringe Automatic single liquid dispenser |
22 G | 1 – 18 µl | ST, IT, CA |
| Manual syringe Automatic single liquid dispenser |
30 G | 0.5 – 5 µl | CA |
| Pipette dispenser | Any ending | 2 – 15 µl | ST, IT, CA |
| Multi-liquid dispenser | 2 – 10 µl | CA, (ST) | |
| Picoliter dispenser | Depends on the ending | min. 20 pl, typically around 500 pl | CA |
What are the differences between using a Wilhelmy plate and a Du Noüy ring for measuring surface/interfacial tension in Sigma tensiometers?
When comparing the results obtained using the ring and plate methods, they may differ depending on the liquid—especially in surfactant solutions. This is due to differences in the measurement principle.
In the Wilhelmy plate method, the plate is stationary during the measurement, which means that the surfactant molecules have time to arrange themselves at the phase boundary, which lowers the surface tension value.
In the Du Noüy ring method, the interface is constantly changed as the ring moves during the measurement. Therefore, surface tension values are often slightly higher than those obtained using a plate. This effect can be observed even in water with minor impurities. For surfactant solutions, the Wilhelmy plate method is preferred.
| Du Noüy's Ring | Wilhelmy's plate | |
| Advantages | a more standardized and widely used method | no need to use correction factors and know the density |
| partially takes into account the evaporation of liquids | better suited for high viscosity liquids | |
| less susceptible to contamination | less susceptibility of the probe to deformation | |
| Defects | requires correction factors | a contact angle of 0° is assumed |
| greater susceptibility to deformation (bending) | the result depends on the height resolution of the measuring table | |
| it is necessary to know the density of both phases | more complex measurement of interfacial tension (effect of buoyancy force) | |
| possible meniscus rupture → interruption of measurement | greater susceptibility to plate contamination |
How to clean a Wilhelmy plate?
The plate should be rinsed with pure ethanol and water, then fired with a Bunsen burner (~1000°C). Too low a temperature can leave impurities that cause measurement errors. The plate should be heated red-hot in the hottest part of the flame, then removed before turning off the burner. Clean before and after use.
How to clean a Du Noüy ring?
The ring should be rinsed with ethanol and water and then fired with a Bunsen burner (~1000°C) as with the plate. Avoid low-temperature flames, as they can leave residue. The ring should be heated until red-hot and then removed before extinguishing the burner. Clean before and after use.
What samples are suitable for powder wettability testing?
The powder particle size must be larger than the pore size of the holder.
– Glass holder: 1 µm
– Steel handle (Sigma 700): 5 µm
The powder must not be soluble or react with the liquid
The powder contact angle should not exceed 90° (to allow the liquid to capillary uptake)
What is the viscosity range acceptable for testing using Sigma tensiometers?
There is no strict viscosity range because it also depends on the density, elasticity of the liquid, probe type and measurement parameters.
- up to approx. 1000 mPa s: usually measurements possible
- above 10,000 mPa s: mostly impossible
- intermediate range: requires compatibility testing
How to clean the density probe?
The probe should be rinsed with ethanol and distilled water. You can't use a Bunsen burner flame because the probe is not resistant to it.
How to perform a standard isothermal experiment with a liquid-liquid trough?
At the beginning of the liquid-liquid measurement, the heavy phase (water) is first poured into the trough.
We immerse the Wilhelmy liquid-liquid plate approximately halfway down its surface and check the cleanliness of the surface by squeezing it.
Next, carefully pour the lighter liquid onto the surface. It can be poured onto the step that expands at the liquid-liquid interface. Be careful not to pour it directly onto the heavy phase, as this can cause the phases to mix. The light phase liquid must be sufficient to cover the entire Wilhelmy plate, and the plate should not be immersed in air.
Open the barriers, zero the balance, and inject the material into the interface. Wait the appropriate time for the sample to stabilize at the interface, then begin measurement as usual.
For detailed instructions on standard measurement, please refer to the LB user manual and the Monolayer kit manual.
How to clean the trough and barriers?
The trough and barriers are made of Teflon and Delrin. The standard trough is made of Teflon, and the standard barriers are made of Delrin. If you're unsure whether you have a standard system, you can test the materials by placing a drop of water on both the trough and barriers. The drop will have a high contact angle on the Teflon and a low contact angle on the Delrin.
Always wear rubber gloves when handling these components. Remove the trough and barriers and wash them over the sink. Using a soft brush, cover the entire surface with pure ethanol, then rinse with clean, deionized water.
Delrin, from which the barriers are made, I don't tolerate Chloroform, but chloroform or other cleaning agents can be used to clean the Teflon trough. If a long time has passed since the trough was last used, it is worth first washing it with a commercially available detergent.