Did you know? Although we are essentially waterproof, our bodies are composed of between 60% to 70% water. This seems an oxymoron, since our skin beads water quite easily. Water is the elixir of human life, but may we say the same about your home?
Absolutely not! Water creates a home apocalypse, and the death knell for any homeowner. This is why much focus falls on watershed, and science and innovation contribute to the cause.
Waterproof coatings are a primary defense against the water’s relentless assault on your home. Let’s understand the science and technology behind these coatings.
Table of Contents
- Hydrophobicity is the Key
- Polymers Provide Proofin’
- Coating Challenges & Benefits
- The Future of Waterproof Coatings
Hydrophobicity is the Key
The heart of any waterproof coating lies in the concept of hydrophobicity, which is the ability of a surface to repel water. The term hydrophobicity comes from the Greek words hydro (water) and phobos (fear).
On a molecular level, hydrophobic surfaces do not form favorable interactions with water molecules, causing droplets to bead up and roll off rather than spread out. Hydrophobic molecules tend to be non-polar molecules, which are molecules that do not have any electrical charges or partial charges.
Nonpolar molecules are made of atoms that have a similar value of electronegativity. Have you heard the saying, “like begets like” and “opposites repel” – this is a similar concept with nonpolar molecules, which attract each other and group together, while repelling water. For example, oil and fats are hydrophobic nonpolar molecules.
Polymers Provide Proofin’
Most waterproof coatings use polymers, large chains of repeating molecular units, that inherently resist water. These polymers form a barrier, preventing water from permeating and ensuring that the underlying material remains dry.
Advancements in nanotechnology have supercharged the efficiency of waterproof coatings. By manipulating materials at a nanoscale, scientists have created surfaces where water droplets barely touch, resting on a cushion of air. This results in superhydrophobic surfaces where water beads up in almost perfect spheres and rolls off effortlessly.
Coating Challenges & Benefits
A challenge in designing waterproof coatings, especially for clothing, is ensuring breathability. No one wants to be shielded from rain but drenched in sweat.
Modern coatings achieve this balance, repelling water from the outside while allowing moisture (like sweat) to escape from the inside.
A big benefit of waterproof technology is the diverse industries it touches. From textiles to electronics to architectural structures, the demand for waterproof coatings spans diverse domains.
Depending on the application, the composition and method of applying the coating can vary. For instance, electronics might use a vapor deposition method, while textiles might employ a spray or dip technique.
Scientists have made waterproof coatings resilient to withstand the constant barrage from the environment. Advances in cross-linking polymers have resulted in coatings that can withstand wear, UV rays, and other environmental stresses for extended periods.
The Future of Waterproof Coatings
The drive towards sustainability has steered the development of eco-friendly waterproof coatings. Traditional coatings often contain perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), which persist in the environment and can be harmful. Modern formulations aim to reduce or eliminate such compounds without compromising performance.
With rapid advancements in materials science, the horizon of waterproofing looks bright. Research and development brain power is focused on concepts such as self-healing coatings, which can repair minor damages autonomously, or coatings that can repel other types of chemical contaminants.
