Testing of Hydrophobic and Super-Hydrophobic Coatings
Coatings provide critical asset protection in some of the harshest operating environments. With advanced coating materials being introduced at an ever greater pace, applied to everything from consumer products to medical and industrial electronics, the need to understand their performance qualities is essential.
Hydrophobic and Superhydrophobic coating is a nanoscopic surface layer that repels water. Droplets hitting this kind of coating can fully rebound in the shape of column or pancake. In industry, super-hydrophobic coatings are used in ultra-dry surface applications. The coating causes an almost imperceptibly thin layer of air to form on top of a surface. Super-hydrophobic coatings are also found in nature; they appear on plant leaves, such as the Lotus leaf, and some insect wings. Hydrophobic coatings such as the NeverWet product, can be sprayed onto objects to make them waterproof. The spray is anti-corrosive and anti-icing; has cleaning capabilities; and can be used to protect circuits and grids.
NTS is the industry recognized leader in coatings testing, including Hydrophobic and Super- HydroPhobic coatings inspection and advisory services. Our worldwide experts conduct a comprehensive range of environmental simulations to provide accurate and reliable data on the ability of coatings to protect against corrosion, ultraviolet light, water penetration, heat, abrasion and chemicals. NTS provides testing of coatings across a range of technical applications. Our technical capabilities ensure customer support at all stages of the coatings life cycle from product pre-qualification testing and application through to on-site inspection of the current condition of materials and protection systems.
Test methods cover the detection of the presence of hydrophobic (non-wetting) films on surfaces and the presence of hydrophobic organic materials in processing environments. When properly conducted, the test will enable detection of fractional molecular layers of hydrophobic organic contaminants. On very rough or porous surfaces the sensitivity of the test may be significantly decreased.
Test methods include:
- Visual (appearance)
- Contact Angle (static, dip coated on glass slide)
- Immersion (Elevated & Reduced Temperature)
- Temperature & Humidity Exposure
- Salt Spray/Fog for Corrosion Resistance
- Refractive Index
- Glass Transition Temperature (Tg)
- Thermal Stability
- Dielectric Strength
- Dielectric Constant
- Dissipation Factor
- Solder-through Capability
- UV Exposure
- Moisture & Insulation Resistance (MIR)
Industry Applications:
- Electronics
- Automotive
- Medical
- Telecom
- Marine
- Aerospace
- Defense