Back to today’s briefing

Story perspectives

Charged water droplets corrode copper coatings, researchers warn

8/26/2026

38 8 Full Breakdown

Summary

Story summary

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research found charged water droplets break copper coatings.
They observed droplets charge while sliding over plant leaves, PVC foam, polystyrene or quartz.
Charged drops caused dielectric breakdown in Teflon or polystyrene coatings, corroding the metal.
Microscopy after 3,000 charged drops showed holes and corrosion on copper, gold, threatening heritage sites, ships and cars.

1 of 1

Story summary

Researchers at the Max Planck Institute for Polymer Research found charged water droplets break copper coatings.
They observed droplets charge while sliding over plant leaves, PVC foam, polystyrene or quartz.
Charged drops caused dielectric breakdown in Teflon or polystyrene coatings, corroding the metal.
Microscopy after 3,000 charged drops showed holes and corrosion on copper, gold, threatening heritage sites, ships and cars.