Electric rain can eat through metal

Electric rain can erode metal surfaces through a process where water droplets become charged as they flow down smooth surfaces, according to new research published in Nature. Physicist Hans-Jürgen Butt and his team at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research observed this phenomenon while studying why rain corrodes metals, even if they have protective coatings.

When water moves across a surface, it can create an electric field that generates a positive charge in the water and a negative charge in the metal. As the droplet approaches the metal, the electric field intensifies, eventually breaking down the metal's protective surface and causing corrosion. The study demonstrated this effect on various surfaces, including windows and plant leaves, and on metals with different protective coatings.

Applied coatings are not effective in preventing this electric erosion if they are not applied correctly or become damaged. This discovery could help explain why corrosion remains a major issue despite protective measures, affecting infrastructure worth trillions of dollars globally. The findings underscore the importance of understanding and controlling corrosion to ensure the reliability and longevity of critical products in various industries.