Hamaker constant ($A_H$)

The Hamaker constant is a key parameter in surface science and colloidal chemistry, used to quantify the strength of van der Waals forces between two materials. Named after the Dutch physicist H.C. Hamaker, it provides a measure of the interaction energy per unit area between two particles or surfaces in close proximity. In general terms, the Hamaker constant is an intrinsic property of the materials involved and depends on their physical and chemical nature as well as their environment (e.g.