Hydrophobic Coating

Defects

Hydrophobic coatings rely on their delicate micro or nano-structures for their repellent property, hence this structure is sensitive to abrasion or cleaning. Currently, the coatings are mostly used in applications that are not prone to wear and wear such as electronic components. These very tiny structures are by their nature very delicate and very easily damaged by wear, cleaning or any sort of friction. If the structure is damaged even slightly it loses its hydrophobic properties. As these coatings are often colorless, damage to it is often not apparent.

The expected lifespan in tropical conditions (i.e. Singapore) is often shorter than those of temperate conditions due to the high level of heat and UV exposure the coatings are subjected to. In tropical conditions, these coatings are expected to last approximately 5 to 10 years.