Glass is mostly silicone dioxide, which means the molecules are overall polar (unequal distribution of charge as a result of the atomic structure). This polar surface can be overcome by doing some organic chemistry, called silanization. Adding certain compounds, like hexamethyldisilazine adds non-polar group to the glass surface.
Remember, water is a polar molecule. Like attracts like. By adding a non-polar functional group to the glass structure, the water beads and is repelled.
Image: Glass (polar)+ RainX (adds CH3 non polar groups)-> Beading water (repelled by non polar groups)!
Remember, water is a polar molecule. Like attracts like. By adding a non-polar functional group to the glass structure, the water beads and is repelled.
Image: Glass (polar)+ RainX (adds CH3 non polar groups)-> Beading water (repelled by non polar groups)!
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