Wettability increase by "corona" ionization.

Experiments showing an increase in the wettability of a hydrophobic surface when using corona air ionization are shown. Photoluminiscence observations support the predictions of charge accumulation at the triple line and confirm previous experiments. In all of the experiments, the contact angle was in the saturation regime at a value smaller than that predicted by the condition of a zero value for the solid-liquid surface tension. The PDMS did not show any deterioration due to the corona exposure under the experimental conditions used. The contact angle is shown to increase with humidity.