How do some substances "get wet"?

Question

For example, paper's structural integrity decreases when it comes into contact with a liquid. What happens at the time of contact?

score 2 · Answer 1 · edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:40

2

There are a great many descriptions of wetting action; you can read more here. If you are particularly interested in the wetting of paper, check out this question. If you have a more specific question, please clarify.

edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:40

Community

1

answered Sep 07 '11 at 21:45

AdamRedwine

5,053

score 2 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 12 '11 at 10:49

In the case of paper, fibers are connect to each other with hydrogen bonds. Water and humidity affect to these bonds and the fiber matrix loses its strength, or integrity.

In a more general way, water molecules tend to surround the charged particles (atoms, molecules) as they are polar.

Now, let these "charged particles" form the bonds of the material => water molecules surround them => particles bond with each other rather than other particles.

How do some substances "get wet"?

2 Answers2