Beading behaviour
Beading behaviour describes how a surface repels water. Hydrophobic protection creates rounded droplets and can improve cleaning efficiency and dirt repellency.
Read the explanationTechnical term
Hydrophobic behaviour
Hydrophobic behaviour describes a surface's ability to repel water. The AVP glossary explains the term through materials, application and practical limits.
Surface science & materials
What does Hydrophobic behaviour mean?
Hydrophobic behaviour describes a surface's ability to repel water.
Related terms
Continue with related explanations.
Beading
Beading is the formation of rounded water droplets on a hydrophobic surface. It is a visible characteristic of water-repellent protection and can make cleaning easier.
Read the explanationSealant protection
Sealants protect surfaces against UV exposure, chemicals, water and dirt.
Read the explanationFrequently asked questions
Questions about Hydrophobic behaviour
What is hydrophobicity?
Hydrophobicity describes a surface's water-repellent property.
How can hydrophobicity be recognised?
Typical signs are rounded droplets and rapid water run-off. The behaviour also depends on cleanliness and surface structure.
What creates hydrophobicity?
Waxes, synthetic sealants and ceramic coatings can reduce a surface's wettability.
How long does hydrophobicity last?
It depends on product, preparation, use, washing, maintenance and contamination. Reduced beading alone does not prove that all protection is gone.
Why is hydrophobicity useful?
It can support water run-off, cleaning and dirt repellency and is a visible characteristic of many protection systems.