THE NATURE OF DRY
How Barrian™ works
Barrian is based on the principles of superhydrophobicity. Naturally occuring superhydrophobic surfaces, such as the extremely water-repellent lotus leaf, exhibit a microstructure of peaks and valleys and an inherently low surface energy. Water droplets remain perched on the peaks in well-formed beads that can’t adhere to the surface. Barrian duplicates this amazing waterproofing action by creating a microstructure of silica glass peaks. This precise surface geometry, combined with advanced low-surface-energy chemistry, results in optimal water beading that accelerates the flow of water over the surface, rendering the surface and the structure below it virtually unwettable.
Photographs of water droplets on the surface of the film prepared by 16F-7% (initial CA 164o±4).
Photographs of water droplets on the surface of the 16F-7% after 54 sanding cycles (CA 153o±2).
The coating remains superhydrophobic as the coating is sanded away…all the way to the metal substrate!
Superhydrophobicity is defined by a measured water droplet contact angle to a surface of greater than 150°. Superhydrophobic surfaces are extremely difficult to wet because the water beads have very little contact with the surface. When the contact angle of the water droplets exceeds 150° and the angle of the surface is less than 1°, water simply rolls off the surface.