The interaction between glass surface and water: The science behind it

Glass is a widely used material in various fields such as architecture, home furnishings, electronics, optics, and chemistry. It exhibits excellent physical and chemical properties such as transparency, hardness, corrosion resistance, and electrical insulation. However, the interaction between the glass surface and water is an essential characteristic of glass materials that involves numerous scientific principles.

The wettability of the glass surface is a key factor in the interaction between glass and water. Wettability refers to the ability of a liquid to spread on the surface of a solid. When a water droplet contacts the glass surface, it forms a water film on the glass surface, which depends on the wettability of the glass surface. If the wettability is good, the water droplet will quickly spread into a thin film; if the wettability is poor, the droplet will remain spherical and form a water film.

The chemical composition and microstructure of the glass surface play crucial roles in its wettability. For example, surfaces with polar groups often exhibit good hydrophilicity, while hydrophobic surfaces contain fewer polar groups or have specific microstructures. Additionally, external conditions such as temperature and pressure can also affect the wettability of the glass surface.

Besides wettability, the interaction between the glass surface and water involves other scientific principles. For instance, water molecules can interact with hydroxyl groups on the glass surface through hydrogen bonds, leading to changes in the adsorption and diffusion behavior of water molecules on the glass surface. Additionally, water molecules can also affect the electrical conductivity, optical properties, and chemical stability of the glass surface.

The interaction between glass surface and water is a complex issue that involves multiple scientific principles. Understanding this interaction can help with better design and apply glass materials to create a better life for humans.