DEVICE FOR CONTROLLING WETTING BEHAVIOR OF METAL SURFACES BY APPLICATION OF ELECTROLYTE UNDER CONTROLLED VOLTAGE

摘要

Apparatus for controlling the wetting behavior of the surface of a cylinder formed of passivatable metal. A wetting device is used to apply an electrolyte to the surface of the metal cylinder. A direct current source is connected between the wetting device and the cylinder and a control device is used to control the voltage necessary for passivating the surface of the cylinder as a function of the pH value of the electrolyte and the type of metal forming the surface of the cylinder. The oleophilic or oleophobic characteristics of the cylinder are thus controlled.