The surface energy of suberin was determined by four different methods
, namely, (i) contact angle measurements, (ii) Wilhelmy plate measurem
ents, (iii) maximum bubble pressure, and (iv) inverse gas chromatograp
hy (IGC). The first three methods gave a gamma(sub) value in the range
40-50 mN m(-1) at room temperature. The major component of this value
reflects the dispersive contribution. The IGC measurements showed a h
igher dispersive term, which is common with this method of characteriz
ation. The surface acid (A)/base(B) properties were also evaluated, an
d the results indicated that suberin has an acidic character. (C) 1997
Academic Press.