I observed that when the surface is wet i.e, there is a very thin layer of water on the surface and if one hair thread falls on it, then the region near by hair get dry. That is water is being repelled by the hair.
Is there any existing theory to explain this phenomenon?
Dear Eugeniy,
I assume the following: Hairs are very hygroscopic. Hairs are used in hygrometres to measure the humidity of air (hair-hygrometers). Therefore it could be that the hair absorbes the water film and drys the environment.
In good old days there was such a device as a "Hair Hygrometer". Horses' hair well absorb moisture. And thus increase in length.
And dry the surface nearby :)
Dear Eugeniy,
I assume the following: Hairs are very hygroscopic. Hairs are used in hygrometres to measure the humidity of air (hair-hygrometers). Therefore it could be that the hair absorbes the water film and drys the environment.
I agree that hair can adsorb a water molecule because they consist of protein that contain many acidic, basic and donor-acceptor groups which can interact with water molecules by hydrogen bonds (H-bonds) causing a drying effect.
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