Hydrophobic/Hydrophilic Properties
An illustration of hydrophobic versus hydrophilic properties
Hydrophobic materials repel water, while hydrophilic materials attract or absorb water. Factors such as the texture and chemical makeup of the surface determine if a material is hydrophobic or hydrophilic. Materials like lotus leaves, magic sand and nano-tex fabric are all examples of hydrophobic materials. Materials like sodium polyacrylate (found in diapers) and instant snow are hydrophilic materials.
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