# Raindrop electrification and surface corrosion research

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/raindrop-electrification-and-surface-corrosion-research
> Updated: 2026-09-05T19:50:19.000Z. Sources: 5. Developments: 2.

Researchers have identified a phenomenon called “slide electrification” where raindrops carry significant electrical charges that can damage surfaces. Studies conducted by the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research and published in Nature indicate that as water droplets move across surfaces such as glass, plastic, or leaves, they can accumulate voltages as high as 9,000 volts.

When these highly charged droplets land on insulated materials, they can cause high-voltage discharges. Experimental testing on copper plates coated with Teflon—a highly chemically resistant material—demonstrated that these discharges can degrade protective coatings and lead to the corrosion of the underlying metal. This discovery suggests that current corrosion prevention methods, which typically focus on chemical and physical resistance, may need to address electrical discharge risks to protect surfaces like car paint and buildings.

## Claims

- Raindrops can contribute to vehicle paint corrosion through electrical discharge. (single source)
- Water droplets can collect charges of up to 9,000 volts via sliding electrification. (single source)
- Sliding electrification occurs when a droplet moves across an insulated surface and exchanges charges. (single source)

## Timeline

### 2026-09-05: Raindrops can cause high-voltage discharges that damage car paint

A new study reveals that raindrops can accumulate up to 9,000 volts through sliding electrification, potentially causing electrical discharges that damage car paint and contribute to corrosion.

3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/raindrops-can-cause-high-voltage-discharges-that-damage-car-paint

### 2026-08-31: Max Planck researchers find charged raindrops corrode surfaces

A study from the Max Planck Institute reveals that electrically charged raindrops can punch through protective coatings, causing unexpected corrosion to buildings, cars, and other surfaces.

2 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/max-planck-researchers-find-charged-raindrops-corrode-surfaces

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Cite as: Raindrop electrification and surface corrosion research. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/raindrop-electrification-and-surface-corrosion-research