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Water Attraction
Name: Wilhelm M.
Status: Student
Age: 20s
Location: N/A
Country: N/A
Date: N/A
Question:
What simple method would make water be more attracted to
a solid aluminum sphere. Example, if you have a soccer ball shape made
out of solid aluminum and you wanted water to to run down the side
without trickling off before it reached the absolute bottom.
What can be
altered to make the water more attracted and stick
to the aluminum -temperature, charge, type of water etc???
Replies:
Since detergents alter the surface tension of water,
you might try adding some small amounts of dish or
laundry detergent. Note if you add too much you might
end up with suds. By adding some small amount you
should fine the water performing what you are seeking
to do.
Be careful to record the amount added and the net
result. You should be able to pinpoint the best
reaction for a given amout of detergent without
unwanted side-effects.
Thanks for using NEWTON!
Ric Rupnik
This is a variation of a common problem faced in the paper coating
industry, would you believe! You must control 3 variables:
1. You need a surfactant to "wet" the aluminum, and make the water
"spread out". For this use a commercial "rinse aid" used in dishwashers to
prevent "water spotting".
2. You need to increase the viscosity of the water with some sort of
thickener. A thickener like polyvinyl alcohol, polyethylene oxide, or sodium
alginate, is preferred. All are available commercially in many grades and
types, if you have access to a chemical supplier. Otherwise you might try
gelatin, but that's not nearly as good.
3. You need to make the solution "stringy" or "leggy" which is the word
used in the trade. This is what paint does when you lift the brush up. The
paint forms a long "string" that does not break. All of the above thickeners
are of that type.
Vince Calder
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Update: June 2012
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