![]() ![]() ![]() In the UK, prior to 2010, Rain-X branded products were distributed by the SOPUS subsidiary Auto Expressions. On 1 March 2011, Illinois Tool Works acquired SOPUS' car care business. īetween 19, Rain-X was marketed by SOPUS Products, a subsidiary of Pennzoil-Quaker State, itself a subsidiary of Royal Dutch Shell. The product was originally registered as a trademark in 1972 by Unelko, and was sold to Quaker State in 1997. Rain-X was introduced in 1972 by Howard G. Rain-X submitted safety documents which state that the solvent used is a mix of acetone and water, but the exact ratio is a trade secret. The polysiloxanes have functional groups that bind to the hydroxyl group of the glass surface. Rain-X's primary active ingredient are polysiloxanes, the primary one being hydroxy-terminated polydimethylsiloxane. See also: Superhydrophobe and Lotus effect Skis may suddenly slow down, throwing one off-balance, because of a change in surface tension, a sort of "sandpaper effect." Rain-X is applied to the ski or board base, or to the bottoms of ski boots to reduce, or eliminate snow "wedges" that interfere with proper mounting into ski bindings. While skiing or riding on mountains with hard snow pack, the heat of the sun changes snow conditions starting on the lower slopes. Ski and snowboard enthusiasts use Rain-X as "wax" to effectively overcome sticky wet snow common in spring conditions. It is also occasionally used in laboratory settings to silanise a surface. The Australian military examined the effect of application of Rain-X and similar products to submarine antennae to improve signal transmission, although other coatings had longer lifespans when submerged in salt water. The original coating has also had use in military and other government settings. It is sold in bottles of 3.5 or 7 US fluid ounces (100 or 210 ml), or as wipes or towelettes. It is a hydrophobic silicone polymer that forces water to bead and roll off of the car, often without needing wipers. Commercially sold "Original Glass Treatment" is the original and most well known Rain-X branded product. The primary use of Rain-X is for automotive applications. Still hoping to find a Bosch Icon blade that fits the smart.Effect of Rain-X original on a glass surfaceĭue to its general water-repellent properties, the original Rain-X formulation is used in a wide variety of consumer, commercial and industrial settings. ![]() If these continue to wipe evenly, without developing a noisy stutter like the original smart blades, I will be very satisfied. The Michelin's are a frameless design with a single-piece airfoil, contact is very even and smooth. ![]() I have now moved on to a second alternative, the Michelin Optimum's (originally called "Radius") which are at WalMart for $12ea. Although the blades cost much less than the smart OEM replacements, I would not buy them again. The results is a frustratingly uneven wipe which skips large portions of the windshield.Īlso, the snap-in adapter has come loose and the blade can fall off when raised for cleaning. My blades now act like an inverted W with less pressure in the 1/3 and 2/3 points and greater pressure at the ends and center. The rubber airfoil at the top of the wiper has a gap in the middle which, over time, has changed the blade contact from even to uneven pressure. I need to amend my tentative recommendation of the Rain-X Latitude wiper blades in my post above.Ī couple design flaws have affected performance over time and after several months of rain use the wipers no longer perform a clean sweep of the windshield. ![]()
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