HYDROPHOBIC vs. HYDROPHILIC

The Hydrophobic & Hydrophilic terms characterize a membrane in relation to its behavior in an aqueous environment. The membrane’s interaction with water is determined by its chemical composition and corresponding surface.

Membranes which are characterized as hydrophobic repel. They have little or no tendency to absorb water, so that a droplet remains on the surface

Hydrophilic membranes have an affinity for water. Their surface chemistry allows these materials to be wetted immediately.