The surface free energy of pyrite films prepared by sulfurizing the precursive electrodeposited films

The pyrite films were prepared by sulfurizing the precursive films at different temperatures. The microstructure, chemical compositions and surface free energy have been investigated. The results indicate that pyrite films are obtained after the sulfuration process of precursive films. The sulfuration temperature remarkably influences the contact angle. Using Owens and Wendt geometric mean approach, the surface free energy, the dispersive surface free energy and polar surface free energy can be evaluated based on the value of contact angles. It has been found that the surface free energy is significantly dependent on the sulfuration temperature and chemical compositions of films. With the increase of the sulfuration temperature, the dispersive surface free energy decreases but the polar surface free energy keeps basically invariable. A possible relationship between the surface free energy and film quality has been discussed.