Non-wettable

Describing a surface or substance that resists being wetted by a liquid. This resistance arises from the liquid's high surface tension relative to the surface energy of the material. Consequently, the liquid beads up and doesn't spread evenly across the non-wettable surface, maintaining a contact angle greater than 90 degrees. Materials exhibiting this property often possess low surface free energy and can include certain plastics, coatings, and specially treated fabrics. This characteristic is crucial in applications like water-repellent clothing, non-stick cookware, and oil spill cleanup.

Non-wettable meaning with examples

• The raincoat's outer layer is designed to be non-wettable. Raindrops simply roll off, ensuring the wearer remains dry. This hydrophobic property is achieved through a special coating applied to the fabric, causing water molecules to have a greater affinity for each other than the fabric. Consequently, the surface repels water, providing effective weather protection and enhancing the garment's comfort, especially in damp conditions.
• In the laboratory, the use of non-wettable beakers is sometimes necessary. These are used to prevent certain solutions from sticking to the inside of the glass. Researchers often use special plastics that have this characteristic for the process of mixing and measuring, and this reduces product loss and simplifies cleaning procedures, critical for accurate results and effective handling.
• Many non-stick frying pans have a non-wettable surface. This is typically achieved by a Teflon coating. The design helps prevent food from adhering to the pan, allowing easy cooking and cleaning. The same principles can also be used in cookware to increase durability of the cookware. This greatly reduces the chance of food sticking which also allows easier cleaning of the cooking surface after food is cooked.
• During an oil spill cleanup, specialized materials with non-wettable properties are utilized. These materials, like certain absorbent booms and sponges, are able to absorb the oil without taking up the water. The principle of this functionality is selective absorption, where the oil binds to the material and the water is repelled. This selective approach assists in the efficient removal of contaminants from the water and is crucial for environmental remediation.
• Specialized fabrics used in the production of water-resistant tents can also display non-wettable properties. The water tends to run off instead of soaking into the fabric. These specially produced fabrics improve both the comfort and the reliability of the tent in wet weather conditions. This characteristic improves the comfort and safety of outdoor activities for users when they camp in areas where the climate can be wet.