Raindrops can cause high-voltage discharges that damage car paint

car paint corrosion sliding electrification raindrop voltage automotive maintenance material science

A study published in Nature and reported by Ars Technica has revealed that raindrops can contribute to vehicle paint corrosion through high-voltage electrical discharges.

Researchers found that a phenomenon known as sliding electrification allows water droplets to collect charges as they move across insulated surfaces. This process can result in droplets accumulating upwards of 9,000 volts. When these charged droplets land on certain surfaces, they can discharge, potentially damaging protective coatings and contributing to corrosion.

To test this theory, researchers utilized a copper sample coated in Teflon film, which is recognized as one of the most chemically resistant coatings currently available.

Entities

Ars Technica · Nature

Claims

What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.

[○ 1 SOURCE] Sliding electrification occurs when a droplet moves across an insulated surface and exchanges charges. www.jalopnik.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Raindrops can contribute to vehicle paint corrosion through electrical discharge. www.jalopnik.com
[○ 1 SOURCE] Water droplets can collect charges of up to 9,000 volts via sliding electrification. www.jalopnik.com

Sources

Revive Your Car's Dull Paint: Tips to Make It Shine Again [cosmobc.com]

9 days ago

Simple Ways to Keep Your Car Looking Smart All Year Round [www.lifestyledaily.co.uk]

8 days ago

Raindrops Can Cause 9,000-Volt Zaps That Eat Through Your Car's Paint [www.jalopnik.com]

8 days ago