Nonwetting

Nonwetting describes the property of a material or surface that does not allow a liquid to spread or adhere to it. This phenomenon arises from unfavorable surface energy interactions, where the adhesive forces between the liquid and the surface are weaker than the cohesive forces within the liquid itself. This leads to the liquid beading up and forming droplets rather than spreading into a continuous film. The contact angle, the angle formed between the liquid and the solid surface, is a key indicator of nonwetting, with larger angles signifying a higher degree of nonwetting.

Nonwetting meaning with examples

• The hydrophobic coating on the glass created a nonwetting surface, causing raindrops to simply roll off, keeping the surface clean and providing excellent visibility even during heavy rainfall. The water beads up and does not create a film.
• In food processing, nonwetting properties are sometimes utilized. For instance, a nonwetting pan can be useful for frying where the food slides and does not stick. This property is the same for non-stick cookware.
• In microfluidics, researchers leverage nonwetting behavior to control the movement and confinement of liquids within channels, which is critical in the applications for creating microreactors.
• The specialized fabrics used for outdoor gear exhibit nonwetting characteristics; they repel water to provide protection from rain and snow. The water beads up on the outside.