Influence of the Crosslinking Degree

The LMW molecules do not participate in the crosslinked network due to their increased mobility. Therefore crosslinking does not seem to influence their number. However, there is a possible influence to the molecules diffusion to the surface. 

The electrical activity observed, either during periods of hydrophobicity loss (dry band arcing) or even if the surface is hydrophobic (corona along the water droplets), suppHes energy to the material that can support oxidation Reactions 1.10 following 1.9, which finally conclude in a sihca layer near the surface [72,81,82]. 

This layer impedes the LMW molecules diffusion and therefore the hydrophobicity recovery process. Additionally it must be mentioned that a possible increase of the surface tension is probable to occur due to the increase of the siloxane bonds near the surface. 

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