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Waterproof Barrier

Last updated: January 11, 2019

What Does Waterproof Barrier Mean?

A waterproof barrier is a coating material that is applied on a surface or substrate to make it relatively unaffected by water or resistant to the effects of water at specified immersion times, pressure, depth and other conditions. The waterproof barrier shields the surface or substrate from degradation, corrosion or damage that may result from exposure to water.

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Corrosionpedia Explains Waterproof Barrier

While water is necessary for the existence of many living things on Earth, it causes degradation and damage to nature as well as to natural and synthetic materials, making it necessary to protect them with waterproof barriers.

For thousands of years, various materials have been used as waterproof barriers. Ships were waterproofed by caulking or by sealing gaps with bitumen emulsion or pitch. Linseed oil was used to waterproof canvas or cotton fabric to make oilskin.

Throughout the years, more waterproof barriers were developed for a wider range of uses such as in the following examples:

  • A polyurethane waterproof barrier laminated on fabric that can withstand repeated washing, drying and sanitizing if necessary. The waterproof barrier allows the fabric to be used for reusable instead of disposable diapers, aprons, changing pads or covers, protection sheets for mattresses, wetbags and more.
  • A waterproof barrier cream to protect the skin from extended exposure to water and water-soluble contamination.
  • A waterproof barrier to protect building structures from the basement to the roof. This waterproof barrier protects the various parts of the structure from corrosion and degradation caused by moisture that can penetrate even the smallest holes and cracks.
  • A waterproof barrier that provides electronic devices like smartphones and cameras with a waterproof finish that allows them to function even when wet. In the newer smartphone models, very thin water barrier coatings are applied using nanotechnology (the science that deals with microscopic or invisible particles).

The development of more waterproof barriers allows more materials to be used in the construction, packaging, clothing and other industries.

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