Novel Instrumentation for Surface Tensiometry and Wetting

这个提议是关于一个测量仪器的两个最重要的性质的物理化学的表面，即接触角和表面张力。许多行业（如化学、制药、石油、聚合物、纸张和粘合剂）和学术部门都需要测量这些特性。我们打算使我们的仪器技术为商业化做好准备。我们的仪器由一个在智能手机上运行的应用程序和相关的附加硬件组成。具体目标是简化软件，使其为市场做好准备，例如，通过拥有专业的用户界面，数据存储和显示在屏幕或云上，改进当前的硬件，并进行严格的测试以建立仪器的规格。未来的客户可以选择将智能手机和应用程序作为一个独立的系统使用，或者购买并使用附加硬件来增强系统的功能（例如测量的准确性，并启用新的功能，如滑动角度测量，或约束固定式下降配置）。智能手机的使用消除了当前基于Drop Shape Analysis的测量系统中对单独的计算机、外部摄像头、镜头以及笨重的机箱和硬件的需求。因此，由于其巨大的成本差异，以及对现场和实验室都有用的紧凑性，它具有市场优势。基于智能手机的系统提供了与互联网的集成连接，从而可以更好地管理文档。我们的结果证实了这个概念的功能。市场研究显示，预计2017年全球销量将超过7000台，这表明所有制造商对这种仪器的需求都很健康。来自学术界、教育界和工业界的最终用户的支持信都对我们的技术非常热情。我们已经确定了一个业务导师和合作伙伴的销售和分销。加拿大将通过成立一家分拆公司而受益；并拥有一家本土仪器仪表公司，可以支持上述加拿大其他行业。此外，对HQP进行具有创业性质的科学项目培训是加拿大的另一个好处。

This proposal is about a measurement instrument for two of the most important properties in physical chemistry of surfaces, i.e. contact angle, and surface tension. Measurement of such properties are needed in many industries (e.g. chemical, pharmaceutical, petroleum, polymer, paper, and adhesives), and academic sector. We propose to make our instrumentation technology ready for commercialization. Our instrument is comprised of an App that runs on a smartphone, and associated add-on hardware. The specific objectives are streamlining of the software to be market ready, e.g. by having a professional user interface, data storage and display on screen or on the cloud, refinement to the current hardware, and doing rigorous tests to establish the instrument's specs. The future customers have the option of using the smartphone and the App as a standalone system, or buy and use the add-on hardware to enhance system's capabilities (e.g. accuracy of measurements, and enabling novel functions such as sliding angle measurements, or constraint sessile drop configuration). The use of a smartphone eliminates the need for a separate computer, an external camera, lens and bulky chassis and hardware found in the current measurement systems based on Drop Shape Analysis. As such, it has a market advantage due to its substantial cost differential, and compactness that is useful for both field work and laboratory. A smartphone based system provides for integrated connectivity with internet that allows for better document management. Our results has confirmed the concept's functionality. Market research shows that the anticipated worldwide sales for 2017 is over 7000 units, indicating a healthy demand for such an instrument for all manufacturers. The support letters from end-users in academia, educational, and industry sectors are all very enthusiastic about our technology. We have identified a business mentor and partners for sales and distribution. Canada will benefit by establishment of a spin-off company; and having an indigenous instrumentation company that can support other Canadian industries stated above. Also, training of the HQP on a scientific project that has an entrepreneurial aspect is another benefit to Canada.