Understanding the term “Hydrophobicity”

Hydrostatic Testing Quantifies Hydrophobicity

The term Hydrophobic is thrown around quite a bit by filter manufacturers these days. Why? Because water and moisture are significant contributors to degrading filter performance. The fact is that almost every synthetic fiber media can offer some level of water repellency. The question is how repellant is that surface when you pull or push that moisture under pressure?

Media can either repel (hydrophobic) or attract (hydrophilic) moisture. Testing can accurately measure the resistance of media to water penetration. It is done through hydrostatic pressure. Forcing the liquid into/through the media. There are several testing certifications that are used by the textile industry to establish performance including ISO 811. Testing can specifically establish a threshold point to when water penetration through a fabric or media occurs. The same testing is applicable to all types of fabrics, including those treated with special fibers or even with water resistant / repellent finishes. The type of fiber or yarns can change the surface tension of the textile and can impact the level of repellency. Hydrostatic testing helps to quantify the level of performance one media may have over another.

Testing can specifically establish a threshold point to when water penetration through a fabric or media occurs. The same testing is applicable to all types of fabrics, including those treated with special fibers or even with water resistant / repellent finishes. The type of fiber or yarns can change the surface tension of the textile and can impact the level of repellency. Hydrostatic testing helps to quantify the level of performance one media may have over another.