This Request for Proposals (the “RFP”) is an invitation by the University of Ottawa (the “University”) to prospective proponents to submit proposals for a Drop Shape Analyzer, funded by the Canada Foundation for Innovation and the Ontario Research Fund.
THE DELIVERABLES
The requested equipment is a Drop Shape Analyzer for advanced materials characterization and interfacial property analysis. The system is a high-precision analytical tool essential for studying the surface and interfacial behaviors of liquid materials across various types, including polymers, conductors, and dielectrics leading to understanding the surface chemistry of a given material. The primary objective is to enhance research capabilities in wettability, adhesion science, and interfacial dynamics, enabling precise characterization of innovative materials and addressing challenges in interface engineering.
A drop-shape analyzer is an instrument designed to observe the wetting angle, surface energy, and interfacial properties of materials, especially their form as a solution. Typically, this system is equipped with a high-resolution camera, customized temperature-controlled stage to support a broad range of applications. The realtime data include high-quality images revealing accurate contact angle, surface free energy, and surface tension measurement, contributing to advanced measurement of physical, and chemical-interface status.
Mandatory Technical Specifications Requirements:
1.0 - Performance of Drop Shape Analyzer
1.1 - The resolution of distance measurement must be superior to 30 µm per pixel
1.2 - The contact angle measurement resolution of droplet must be better than 0.1 degree
1.3 - The minimum volume of released droplet must be smaller than 0.5 µL
1.4 - The camera resolution must be better than 1000 × 1000 pixel
1.5 - The resolution of surface tension must be better than 0.1 mN/m
1.6 - The sample stage must be equal or larger than 30 mm × 30 mm
1.7 - The optics must include the minimum 4x Zoom.
1.8 - The syringe or liquid cartridge must be replaceable
1.9 - The camera frame rate must be faster than 2000 frame/second
1.10 - The mean field of view must be equal to or larger than 9 mm x 9 mm
1.11 - Liquid dosing must be controlled by computer software
1.12 - The resolution of internal and external tilting must be better than 0.1 degree for internal and 0.2 degree for external
2.0 - Software and Computers
2.1 - The tool must come with a computer and perpetual licensed software
2.2 - The supplier must provide installation files to restore the software in case of hard drive failure
3.0 - Warranty, Installation and Training
3.1 - Must include 1-year standard manufacturer’s warranty and technical support (on-site, emails and phone calls)
3.2 - Must include on-site installation and training. Supplier must agree to video-recording of the training session(s) for the purpose of future users trainings.
