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Friday, May 27, 2016

Lotus Effect

Paint surfaces are porous and not perfect; containing microscopic peaks and valleys. These irregularities are otherwise known as capillary structure that either contains or will draw contaminants such as fine dirt and minerals. A nominally uniform coating will help to lessen the coefficient of kinetic friction by filling up the fissures with micro particles to produce a smoother surface.

The potential of hydrophobicity depends on several factors: relative humidity and temperature, static electricity, material homogeneity, and surface smoothness. The smoother the surface, the more hydrophobic it becomes. To contrast a hydrophilic surface with higher spreading rate which absorbs moisture, hydrophobic ones repels them. This effect is called the Lotus Effect.


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